cheap travel destinations mexico

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Best cheap mexico vacations.

With a favorable exchange rate ($1 to approximately 17 pesos), free beaches and many options for reasonably priced accommodations, Mexico is perfect for a budget-friendly escape. But where should you spend your hard-earned cash? To help you decide, U.S. News created this list of the best cheap Mexico vacations, factoring in expert and reader feedback, free things to do and hotel costs. Vote for your favorite affordable Mexico destination below to help with next year's ranking. And if you're looking for more ways to save on travel, browse this list of cheap all-inclusive resorts . (Note: The U.S. Department of State advises against traveling to certain Mexican states due to crime; check the website for information before booking your vacation, and be cautious if you decide to travel.)   

Mexico City

Isla holbox, san miguel de allende, isla mujeres, playa del carmen.

This Riviera Nayarit beach town charms expats and tourists alike for its stunning scenery and energetic atmosphere. It also makes for a cost-effective Mexico vacation. Sayulita sits 25 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta, a hub for affordable flights , and you can find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals for less than $150. What's more, Sayulita's top activities – surfing, hiking and relaxing on the beach – cost next to nothing (though you may want to rent a golf cart for the day for $50 rather than taking pricey taxis to non-walkable destinations).

Mexico's largest city is perfect for a shoestring city break. Mexico City offers a host of free attractions, including the National Palace, Museo Soumaya and Bosque de Chapultepec (the largest urban park in Latin America) and its zoo, while others like the Palacio de Bellas Artes are free on certain days of the week. You can also explore Mexico City's picturesque neighborhoods if you rent a bike or go on a free walking tour. Fill up on tasty yet inexpensive Mexican cuisine at taquerias and street food stalls, and save even more dough with a spring visit, when you'll encounter comfortable temperatures and reasonable hotel rates.

Tulum's heyday as an untouched vacation destination may be over, with luxury resorts now lining the shore, but it's still possible to visit this Bohemian beach town in Riviera Maya on a budget. Cancún (about 80 miles northeast), remains a relatively affordable flight destination, and inexpensive buses can shuttle you the rest of the way. Plus, if you're willing to book away from the beach, boutique hotels in downtown Tulum (Tulum Pueblo) are priced well below $100 per night. While here, spend most of your time lounging on free public beaches like Playa Paraíso and visiting the affordable Tulum Ruins.

While Isla Holbox is difficult to reach (frugal travelers will need to take a bus and a ferry after landing in Cancún), that's part of the charm of this sleepy paradise. Plus, you'll find endless ways to rejuvenate once you arrive. Budget-friendly activities include lazing on the beach, kayaking and admiring Holbox's murals and street art. With ultra-thrifty accommodation options like camping and hostels, you can stay for less than $20 per night, but you'll also find beachfront hotel options for just more than $100 nightly.

This charmer in the highlands of central Mexico entices visitors with its Spanish colonial architecture, buzzing restaurants and artistic beauty. What's not to love? For some, it's the price tag. But even economical tourists can enjoy the best aspects of San Miguel de Allende. This city is best explored on foot, so spend some time winding through the picturesque El Jardín and the lush Parque Benito Juárez, or perusing art galleries. Instead of shopping at pricey boutiques, find trinkets and textiles at Mercado de Artesanías. And for sustenance, stick to fondas (casual restaurants), taco carts and cafes to get the most bang for your buck.

The long-reigning paragon of a Mexico beach getaway, Cancún is also one of Mexico's most cost-effective vacation spots. With Cancún's competitive market of all-inclusive resorts (from adults-only options to family-friendly resorts where kids stay free ), many of which offer built-in activities and entertainment, vacationers will have their pick of accommodations that are easy on the wallet. Between vacation packages and plenty of flight options, budgeters will have money to spare for popular excursions, like a day trip to the Chichén Itzá archaeological site or a visit to Xcaret Park.

Just a short ferry ride from Cancún, the more tranquil Isla Mujeres is surrounded by dazzling water ideal for low-cost activities like snorkeling at Garrafón de Castilla and lounging on Playa Norte. Though all-inclusive deals are more limited, affordable hostels, hotels and vacation rentals are never far from the shore on this small island. What's more, Isla Mujeres is home to a number of local restaurant options that won't break the bank. To save on transportation, plan on taking a tricycle taxi from the ferry dock, then renting a bicycle or walking for daily outings. 

Yucatán's vibrant capital city and its mansion-lined streets may have been a haven for the well-to-do in the Gilded Age, but today, travelers can visit Mérida on the cheap. The city boasts a bevy of free things to do (think: visiting art museums, embarking on a walking tour from Plaza Grande or admiring mansions on Paseo de Montejo – modeled after Paris' Champs-Élysées). Plus, with Mérida's wide range of dining and hotel options, visitors can find mouthwatering cuisine in the most unsuspecting (read: affordable) establishments and stay in charming Spanish colonial digs for less than $100 per night.

Embracing slow travel is not only the best way to capture the spirit of this central Mexico city; it's also the most cost-effective. Guanajuato's picturesque plazas, narrow streets and vivid hues make it ideal for aimless wandering. Otherwise, sightseers can hike to the El Pipila lookout, see a $6 performance at the gorgeous Teatro Juárez or dance the night away at a salsa bar. While flights to Guanajuato can be costly, the splurge may be worth it to avoid a long bus ride from Mexico City. Plus, once you arrive, you can snag a room in a guesthouse for a steal.

In Oaxaca, you'll want to save most of your pesos for sampling its iconic cuisine. Luckily, Oaxaca's markets serve must-try regional specialties like mole and tlayudas (tortillas with beans, cheese and other options) that will fill you up for a bargain. This southern Mexico city's other cheap thrills include touring architectural wonders like the Templo de Santo Domingo, people-watching in the lively Zócalo main square and admiring local art at galleries and studios. Plus, by visiting during the low season (November through March), you can also score some deals on hotels.  

Another Riviera Maya hot spot, Playa del Carmen is home to stunning stretches of powdery white sand and the luxury beach resorts to match. But by planning a shoulder season visit in April or May, thrifty travelers can find solid deals on all-inclusive vacation packages at glitzy resorts. Alternatively, visitors can book more modest hotels off the beach for a fraction of the price and enjoy low-cost meals at local restaurants. While lounging on the beach is guaranteed to protect your pocketbook, cost-conscious visitors can also explore downtown Playa del Carmen's Parque Los Fundadores for free entertainment. 

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Top 10 Cheapest Places to Visit In Mexico in 2024

Published October 22, 2023 · Updated October 22, 2023

So you’ve got an adventurous soul, a tight wallet, and are looking to visit some cheap places in Mexico? I can help. Read on ‘coz I’m about to spill the frijoles on how affordable it can be to visit the vibrant United Mexican States. Get ready for a fiesta of savings and unforgettable experiences in Mexico on the cheap!

Quick Overview on the most affordable places to visit in Mexico

Is Mexico cheap? Mexico is a spectacular country renowned for its incredible culture, delicious food, diverse landscapes, and affordable prices. However, as Mexico’s popularity as a tourist destination soars, so have the prices in many of the country’s most popular regions. Destinations like Cabo, Tulum, and San Miguel de Allende have developed such a reputation amongst wealthy international travelers that prices for attractions, accommodation, and restaurants are now nothing short of eye-watering.

However, there are many, many more cheap vacation destinations in Mexico where prices remain reasonable, and the experiences more authentic. From sprawling metropolises and vibrant destinations to charming beach villages and everything in between, here are 10 of the most affordable regions in Mexico to explore.

So grab your pasaporte and let’s dive into this ultimate compilation of the cheapest places to visit in Mexico in 2024!

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The Cheapest Places in Mexico to Visit

Is it cheap to go to Mexico?

Mexico, for the most part, is generally affordable . Budget travelers can get by on around $30 – $50 USD per day. The Yucatan region is more expensive than other parts of Mexico due to its location and abundance of visitors. The cheapest airports to fly to in Mexico include Cabo San Lucas, Mexico city, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta. The exchange rate between the Mexican peso and other major currencies is relatively favorable. Which means that your hard-earned cash stretches further than ever before while exploring this magnificent country. Don’t forget to do that happy currency conversion dance every time you pay for something!

Where is the cheapest place to go in Mexico 2024?

Without further ado, let’s get into our list of Mexico cheap places to visit and how to have the most affordable Mexican experience while you’re there… Are you ready to exploring Mexico on a shoestring budget? Let’s go! ⬇⬇

Where is the cheapest place to visit in Mexico? First up

1| Oaxaca City

Oaxaca  is the artistic and cultural epicenter of southern Mexico. It is also a place where an affordable and authentic Mexican experience is still available.

Oaxaca is most well known for its indigenous heritage, colonial architecture, traditional culture, and culinary delights. This UNESCO-listed World Heritage city showcases its cultural wealth through vibrant festivals, traditional handicrafts, and ancient ruins.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the city’s main square, the Zocalo. From here head out to visit the stunning Santo Domingo Church. Explore bustling markets, such as Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you can sample delicious street food and shop for handicrafts at bargain prices. Not far from the city’s historic center, you’ll find nearby attractions like the ancient Monte Alban ruins, or the Hierve el Agua with its petrified waterfall formations.

Oaxaca City is also the gateway to the state of Oaxaca where many more affordable adventures await. In the surrounding region you will discover many outdoor activities, ruins to explore, hiking spots, and local villages to learn about local traditions and customs. Popular cheap Mexico destinations include the famous mezcal town of Santa Catarina Minas, the mountain town of Jose del Pacifico, the traditional indigenous communities of the Pueblos Mancomunados, and the coastal villages of Zipolite and Mazunte.

You should expect to spend around $47 per day on your cheap Mexican vacation in Oaxaca de Juarez, by finding delicious cheap street food from $1, transport around $7 and the rest on accommodation, depending on your budget and level of comfort.

2| Guanajuato

The beauty of the picturesque city of Guanajuato is renowned. This colonial gem is known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving arts scene, and fascinating underground tunnels.

Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the labyrinthine streets, the narrow alleys, and charming plazas. Lose yourself (and maybe even find yourself) while wandering through these picturesque passages adorned with vibrant buildings and colorful murals.

Don’t miss a visit to the famous Callejón del Beso or Alley of the Kiss. A local romantic legend has it that if you stand on one side of this incredibly narrow alley and kiss your loved one from across the way, it will bring luck… or at least an entertaining story to tell later. The grand Teatro Juárez offers entertaining performances that range from ballets to concerts, guaranteeing an unforgettable night out. Plus, the grandeur of the building alone will make you feel like royalty, even if your dancing skills are more akin to a drunk flamingo. Speaking of entertainment, Guanajuato’s infamous Mummy Museum contains a collection of naturally preserved mummies that will give any horror movie fan goosebumps.

While in Guanajuato, don’t miss the opportunity to catch the funicular or do some cardio and climb up to El Pipila monument. This observation deck, dedicated to one of the earliest heroes of Mexico’s War of Independence, is set on a hill and provides amazing panoramic views of the city below. Guanajuato is not yet as popular as some other famous Mexican destinations, but throughout the city entrance fees to museums and attractions are budget-friendly. The city also offers affordable accommodations and delicious street food options, making it one of the best cheap places to go in Mexico in 2024.

3| Campeche

This colorful port city on the western coast of the Yucatan peninsula offers a great combination of history, charm, and affordability in Mexico. Explore the well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of Campeche City with its colorful colonial architecture. Stroll along the charming streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, visit the impressive Cathedral of Campeche, and soak in the atmosphere of the central plaza, Plaza de la Independencia. The fortified walls that surround the old town were built to protect the city from marauding pirates and the city’s most iconic site is the Puerta de Tierra, one of the remaining original city gates.

For cheap vacations in Mexico, you can’t go wrong with Campeche. Immerse yourself in the fascinating Mayan and pirate history at the Museo de la Ciudad which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Campeche’s rich cultural heritage. For panoramic views of the city and the Gulf of Mexico, climb up to the Baluarte de San Francisco, one of the old fortresses.

The city’s coastal location also provides opportunities for budget-friendly outdoor activities. Stroll along the Malecón, the long waterfront promenade, relax on the nearby Playa Bonita, or take a boat tour to see the famous pink flamingos in the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve.

Around Campeche, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby archaeological sites, such as Edzná and Calakmul, which offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization at reasonable entrance fees.

One of the best things to do in Campeche is to sample some of the unique and delicious Yucatan cuisine a unique blend of Mayan, European , and Caribbean flavors. Sample the traditional dish of pan de cazón (dogfish shark in tortillas), cochinita pibil a slow-roasted and pulled pork, and the local camorones al coco or coconut shrimp at local eateries and market stalls which serve up authentic regional flavors without breaking the bank.

Campeche has affordable accommodation options with both cozy guesthouses to budget-friendly hotels, making it an ideal destination for travelers on a cheap budget in Mexico.

Located just a couple of hours from Mexico City, Puebla is another colonial town that belongs alongside these cheapest Mexico destinations in 2024. Puebla is particularly known for its architecture, culinary pedigree, Talavera pottery, cobblestone streets and as the land of mole and volcanoes. Like many colonial towns, wandering through the historic UNESCO World Heritage center is one of the best things to do in this charmingly cheap Mexican city and is absolutely free.

Discover the stunning Catedral de Puebla. Indulge in Puebla’s famous cuisine, such as mole poblano and chiles en nogada at local eateries offering affordable food options.

The picturesque Zócalo of Puebla is surrounded by grand pastel colonial buildings, including the majestic Puebla Cathedral. In addition, you can enjoy live music while you sit down to taste delicious and cheap tacos al pastor at one of the many street stalls.

Don’t miss a visit to the beautifully decorated Capilla del Rosario within the Church of Santo Domingo.

Head to Callejón de los Sapos or commonly known as the Alley of the Toads. This bohemian side of Puebla is a small corner full of life and antiques. This locations is perfect for finding low-priced treasures from vintage furniture to unique curiosities. You can also simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with a craft beer in hand.

If you are a fan of art and architecture, the International Baroque Museum museum will leave an impression on you. Housed in a stunning building, designed by renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the International Baroque Museum offers a unique visual experience. Explore exhibitions celebrating the Baroque movement in all its forms and be inspired by the beauty of the works of art on display.

Puebla also serves as a gateway to explore the nearby Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world by volume. Enjoy a panoramic view from its church at the top and the stunning landscapes of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.

5| San Cristóbal de las Casas

One of our favorite towns in the country and also one of the best value affordable destinations in Mexico,  San Cristobal is de las Casas  can be found in the highlands of Chiapas. San Cristóbal offers a unique mix of indigenous cultures, cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and natural beauty.

Explore this highland city’s colonial architecture, including the stunning Santo Domingo Church and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and crafts scene at the indigenous market of El Templo de San Cristóbal. For another shopping experience that won’t empty your pockets, head straight to Mercado de Santo Domingo. This bustling market is a treasure trove for budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic souvenirs, handmade crafts, textiles, and fresh produce from local farmers — all at bargain prices!  Embark on a day trip to the nearby Sumidero Canyon or visit the traditional villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán to experience indigenous rituals and crafts.

San Cristobal has a number of delicious restaurants with both local flavors and, surprisingly for a town of its size, a wide range of international flavors such as Italian, Indian, Korean, and Argentinian to name a few. Delicious street food stalls and local eateries offer mouthwatering dishes at unbelievably low prices. Fill your tummy with traditional Mexican delicacies like tamales, empanadas, or indulge in some sizzling tacos al pastor while still keeping your wallet pleasantly plump.

San Cristóbal also provides pocket-friendly accommodation options with many local guest houses, hostels, and boutique hotels available. From cozy hostels brimming ideal for backpackers to affordable guesthouses offering comfort without compromising on location – you’ll find your perfect abode here. And who needs fancy hotel amenities anyway when you have stunning landscapes just waiting to be explored?

Take a stroll through the picturesque El Arcotete, an enchanting natural tunnel surrounded by lush greenery. Or hike up to Mirador Cerro de San Cristóbal for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. San Cristóbal, the cheapest place to vacation in Mexico, is the perfect base to explore Chiapas which features some of Mexico’s most impressive waters, ruins, lakes, and a plethora of other awe-inspiring natural wonders that won’t cost you a dime and a dozen.

6| Guadalajara

Next up on this list of cheap vacation spots in Mexico is Guadalajara. Mexico’s second-largest city has a fascinating mix of old and new, with important historic significance and vibrant culture.

The heart of the city, Plaza de los Mariachis, is where you will find musicians and mariachi bands serenading passersbys with soulful sounds. Grab a margarita, sing along, and let the music transport you into a world of latino passion.

Stroll through the historic center and admire the Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring murals by the famous Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco. These thought-provoking pieces will get you pondering life’s deepest questions. Visit the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres and explore the city’s art scene at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas. Get lost in the bustling Mercado Libertad, where you can savor traditional Mexican dishes at affordable prices. The largest indoor market in Latin America, also known as San Juan de Dios Market, offers a mind-blowing range of fresh and prepared foods, arts, crafts, and pretty much anything you can think of. Again, at affordable prices. Tlaquepaque is another shopping haven that is ideal to find a piece of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

Guadalajara is also the capital of Mexico’s national spirit, tequila. Any visit must include indulging in some of this liquid gold. Get aboard the Tequila Express train that takes you on a journey through agave fields where you can tour distilleries, learn about the tequila-making process, sample different varieties, and maybe even end up doing the Mexican hat dance after a few shots.

Alternatively, make for the Pacific coast to explore the coastline of Jalisco or the Riviera Nayarit.

7| Puerto Escondido

For beach lovers on a budget in Mexico, Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca is a great alternative to expensive destinations the likes of Tulum or Cabo. This laid-back surf town offers affordable vacations in Mexico, that include stunning beaches where you can catch a wave or simply soak up the sun.

You will also find plenty of inexpensive accommodations ranging from backpacker hostels to private beachfront bungalows.

If you’re a wave enthusiast or simply enjoy improving your surfing skills, Puerto Escondido is the place to be. With its world-renowned surf breaks like Zicatela Beach, also known as the “Mexican Pipeline,” you can expect to catch some gnarly waves. Puerto Escondido is also popular for indulging in good food. From street-side taco stands serving up flavorsome fish tacos to cozy beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood, your taste buds will thank you for this trip. Hidden gems like Carrizalillo Beach and Manialtepec Lagoon offer the perfect opportunity dive into crystal-clear turquoise waters, swim alongside sea creatures, and to simply let your imagination swim wild. 

To extend your cheap Mexican adventure, head north and take a boat through the mangroves to reach the untouched paradise of Chacala, or venture south toward the laid-back beaches of Zipolite and Mazunte.

In this part of the world, time slows down like it had one too many margaritas at sunset. Embrace the laid-back vibes and take relaxing siestas on gorgeous beaches while sipping ice-cold cervezas from coconuts (tiny umbrellas optional) . Stress will become a distant memory as you soak up the sun and let all your worries wash away with each crashing wave.

Puerto Escondido also makes this series of the cheapest beach towns in Mexico . Be sure to check out the full list.

8| San Pancho

When searching for cheap places to travel in Mexico, you can’t go wrong with San Francisco Nayarit, affectionately nicknamed  San Pancho . This spirited coastal town is a hidden gem found on Mexico’s Pacific coast, just north of Puerto Vallarta.

This tiny laid-back beach village offers a more affordable alternative to the more popular Mexican tourist beach destinations.

San Pacho has some of the most breathtaking beaches in Mexico with crystal-clear turquoise waters and sandy shores, perfect for soaking up that glorious Mexican sun while sipping on a refreshing margarita (or two!). Relax on the tranquil sandy beaches, enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, and witness the mesmerizing sunsets .

Prepare to be captivated by the colorful charm as you wander through the vibrant streets of San Pacho. Filled with lively murals, cute shops selling handmade crafts, and markets offering economical traditional goodies, every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered. 

Explore the vibrant art scene and support community projects with a visit to the Entreamigos community center where you can find locally made crafts.

Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors because San Pacho is home to some seriously mouthwatering tacos at local street vendors and family-owned taquerías. From classic carne asada to exotic seafood varieties, these riquísimo bites will leave you feeling completely satiated, and at a very good price.

On top of that, you may be excited to hear that San Pacho takes pride in its world-renowned tequila distilleries, where you can sample various blends straight from the source while learning about the production of this iconic Mexican spirit.

San Pacho will also give you a real taste of adventure with its lush jungles and thrilling outdoor activities. Embark on an adrenaline-pumping zip line tour, explore hidden cenotes, or take a hike through trails that lead to pretty waterfalls.

San Pancho also offers budget-friendly accommodations, cozy guesthouses, and delicious street food options. Take a leisurely stroll through the town’s streets, visit the colorful shops, and embrace the relaxed atmosphere of this charming coastal paradise town.

9| Mexico City

Mexico City, the vibrant capital, is a must-visit destination that caters to travelers of all budgets. While some barrios in Mexico City have become quite expensive to visit, the vast majority of Mexico City remains affordable to live or visit.

It doesn’t cost a thing to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture by exploring landmarks such as the Zócalo, the main square, and the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral. Soak up the sun, people-watch, and enjoy an abundance of free outdoor activities.

Channel your inner art critic, marvel at ancient artifacts, and immerse yourself in the vibrant history of this buzzing city without being harsh on your travel budget. Many of the city’s museums offer cheap or even free admission one day per week, including the Museum of Modern Art and Palacio de Bella Artes which have free entry on Sundays.

Exploring the city’s huge public parks, experiencing affordable Lucha Libre shows, and taking cheap day trips to nearby attractions like the canals of Xochimilco and the ancient city of Teotihuacan are just some of the fun, unique, and affordable activities in Mexico city. Head over to the bustling Mercado Sonora market, where haggling is an art form.

La ciudad de Mexico is also one of the world’s most celebrated gastronomic hubs and indulging in a tour of some of the city’s most mouth-watering taquerías can be afforded with some forward planning and a pocket full of change. Your taste buds are in for a treat as you indulge in sizzling tacos, quesadillas, and tamales from local vendors. With prices so low, your stomach will thank you while your wallet does a little dance.

Forget expensive taxis or uber rides; it’s time to tango with public transportation. You can take advantage of the city’s efficient public transportation system to get around without spending a fortune. Hop onto the Metro system like a true Chilango and explore different neighborhoods without breaking the bank. 

This huge metropolis has plenty of budget-friendly accommodations from cozy guesthouses to well-priced hotels, making this a top contender when looking for cheap places to visit in Mexico.

10| Veracruz

Veracruz, on Mexico’s Gulf Coast, is a fantastic cheap Mexican vacation spot with heaps of attractions and experiences that won’t blow the budget.

The city has a fascinating history and unique culture. Veracruz boasts a vibrant mix of indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences which can be seen in its architecture, traditions, and cuisine.

Exploring the city’s colonial-era buildings, visiting museums, and attending local festivals are just a few of the local cultural experiences on offer that won’t strain your wallet.

Around Veracruz, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to experience with ancient ruins, golden beaches, and green jungles waiting to be explored. Visitors can discover the El Tajin archaeological site, hike in the Cofre de Perote National Park, or take a boat tour to experience the beauty of the nearby islands , all at affordable prices.

Veracruz is particularly popular amongst foodies, especially those on a budget. Street food stalls and local markets offer a wide variety of inexpensive and mouthwatering options, such as tacos, empanadas, and churros. Make sure to try some of the seafood dishes for which the town is renowned, especially the famous Veracruz-style red snapper.

Veracruz also offers a wide range of affordable accommodation options, including budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Travelers on a budget can find comfortable and clean rooms at reasonable prices. What’s more, with excellent transportation networks, it is easy and affordable to get around the city and explore the surrounding areas. Public buses and taxis are affordable, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. There is also a convenient and cost-effective ADO bus service that connects Veracruz with other major cities in Mexico.

>> Read next: Your guide on how to apply for the Mexico tourist card

10 Tips for Budget Travel in Mexico

I hope that these cheapest places to visit in Mexico have provided you with a whole lot of inspiration. Before we end, let’s take a look at my top tips to discover Mexico on the cheap.

• Travel during the shoulder seasons. Consider visiting Mexico during the off-peak months when prices for accommodations and flights tend to be lower. These months are typically April to May and September to October. High season is considered to be November, December, and January. In particular, avoid major holidays and popular tourist seasons to get the best deals.
• Use local transportation when possible. Instead of relying on taxis or private transfers, utilize public transportation options such as buses or shared vans (colectivos) which are common in Latin America to get around. They are often much cheaper and a more authentic way to travel in Mexico.
• Look for affordable accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels instead of large luxury hotel chains. Consider staying in less touristy areas which tend to offer better rates. Websites like Hostelworld, Booking.com, or Airbnb can help you find budget-friendly options. Be aware that some areas in Mexico are safer than others, research before you go.
• Eat like a local. Explore local eateries and street food stalls to sample delicious and inexpensive Mexican cuisine. Avoid dining in touristy restaurants near popular attractions, as they are often more expensive.
• Take a water bottle with a filter. As a general rule, it is not safe to drink the water in Mexico, although larger hotels and restaurants may have their own filtration system. Take a water bottle with a filtration system to avoid paying for water.
• Negotiate prices at markets. When shopping at local markets or street vendors, don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. Bargaining is a common practice in Mexico, and you may be able to get a better deal. In fact, if you pay the first price offered at the market you might find your trip becomes very expensive, very quickly.
• Focus on exploring free or low-cost attractions. Mexico is filled with cultural and natural attractions that are either free or have a minimal entrance fee. Take advantage of these cheap things to do in Mexico to explore the country without breaking the bank.
• Use local SIM cards or Wi-Fi hotspots instead of relying on expensive international data plans. It is cheap and easy to purchase a local SIM card from the airport upon arrival, Telcel is the national carrier and gets the best coverage. Alternatively, utilize free Wi-Fi hotspots available in many cafes, restaurants, and public areas.
• Plan activities in advance. Research and plan your activities ahead of time to take advantage of early bird discounts or combo deals. Look for online promotions, coupons, or discounted tickets for attractions, tours, or activities. In addition to saving money, you may also get to skip the queue to particularly popular attractions.
• Learn some basic Spanish phrases. Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can help you communicate with locals, navigate better, and potentially avoid being overcharged for certain services.

Conclusion on these cheap places in Mexico 2024

There is still a broad range of cheap destinations in Mexico that cater to budget-conscious travelers, without compromising on beauty, culture, and adventure . From charming beach towns like San Pancho to bustling metropolises like Mexico City, these economical destinations provide unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.

In fact, by heading off the beaten path to some of the more affordable places of Mexico, you will surely discover a more genuine and authentic experience.

Hope you have an unforgettable Mexican fiesta!

If you have any questions or need additional info about any of these amazingly affordable Mexico destinations to visit or even to live, be sure to reach out and I’ll be more than happy to help you out. Don’t forget to check out these quotes about Mexico and affordable Mexican beach towns for even more inspiration

¡Buen viaje! Rai

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12 Cheapest and Safest Places to Visit in Mexico

Say ¡Hola to the 12 cheapest and safest places to visit in Mexico — Merida, La Paz, San Cristobal De Las Casas, Cozumel, Queretaro, Valladolid, Campeche, Tulum, Puerto Escondido, Monterrey, Isla Mujeres, and Oaxaca.

We’ll look at their crime rates as well as what the US government recommends for visiting these places. Then we’ll go through some inexpensive but beautiful hotel options, and cover how much it would cost to eat and get around town.

We also want to give you an idea of what you can do there for fun, so there will be a plethora of enjoyable activities listed for each of our suggested destinations. Let’s get started!

The city of Merida is a captivating blend of old Mayan legacy and modern allure.

The city is as safe as can be. According to Numbeo ratings , its crime rate is 25.45%, and the destination has the U.S. government’s lightest travel warning : “Exercise Normal Caution.”

But that’s not all. In 2019, CEOWorld named Merida the 2nd safest city in the Americas, and in 2022, Conde Nast Traveller picked Merida as the 4th best city in the world.

And it gets better. Booking a vacation for two in an affordable, but still very beautiful hotel in Merida will cost you around $20 to $50 per night.

Here are some suggestions to consider: Hotel Gran Centenario , Hotel Embajadores , Suites del Sureste , Hotel Mucuy , Hacienda Inn , Hotel Santiago , Hotel Santa Lucía , and Hotel del Gobernador .

Let’s talk about dining. You’ll love this. According to Numbeo , a meal at an inexpensive diner will cost you about $6, whereas dining at a mid-range restaurant and ordering a three-course meal costs around $35.

Now, onto transport. Numbeo statistics reveal that exploring the city also won’t cost an arm and a leg. Take a bus for $0.48 or a taxi for approximately $1 per mile.

There’s so much to do in Merida. For instance, you can visit the Mayan World Museum , check out the El Castillo Pyramid and the Ruta Puuc sites , swim in cenotes, take a boat ride through the UNESCO biosphere reserve Ria Celestun , or take a stroll through the city’s Centro Historico .

Let’s set our compass south to the enchanting city of La Paz.

This city is nestled on the tranquil shores of the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur, and according to the U.S. government travel advisory , the city is relatively safe, although “Exercising Increased Caution” is advised. The crime rate of La Paz gets a rating of 32.88%.

In La Paz, you can book yourself a beautiful hotel room without burning a hole in your pocket. The most affordable prices for two people per night range from $30 to $60.

Here are adorable hotels and rental units to consider: Posada Del Cortez , Calafia , Marina del Sol , Sunset Hostel , Habitación Azul , Del Mar , Lupita , Hostel Casa Esterito , and Miramar .

According to Numbeo , you can savor traditional Mexican cuisine   in a budget-friendly eatery for no more than $7, or treat yourself to a three-course meal in a semi-luxurious restaurant for $30. Yum!

Getting around La Paz is also affordable. A one-way bus ticket costs around $0.60, and if you prefer to ride with a taxi, expect to pay around $2.89 for a mile.

Now on to the good stuff: activities in La Paz. You can go and swim with Mexico’s most beautiful wild animals   — whale sharks, or go hiking in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. You can also go to the desert and sandboard at El Mogote’s dunes , or take a walk around the city and admire the beautiful street murals. The Cathedral of La Paz is likewise a must-see cultural site.

San Cristobal De Las Casas

Nestled in the highlands of Chiapas lies San Cristobal De Las Casas — a city of indigenous tradition and a vibrant bohemian spirit.

At 30.08%, San Cristobal De Las Casas has a low crime rating, according to Numbeo , and the U.S. government advises tourists to “Exercise Increased Caution,” which is a normal precautionary measure all tourists should consider.

Accommodations in San Cristobal De Las Casas are a fantastic bargain — there’s an abundance of beautifully decorated hotel rooms you can get for prices ranging from $20 to $40 per night.

Consider booking in some of the most gorgeous hotels, such as Posada Santa , San Martin , Posada Belen , Amayal , Posada Catalina , La Parroquia , Real del Valle , Jovel , Posada Dominnycos , Casa Azabache , The Coffee Bean Hotel , and Hotel Casa Mia .

Dining in this lively city is equally kind to your budget. Numbeo reveals that you can eat at small eateries for no more than $4, or have a three-course meal for as low as $14. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.

Getting about is simple and economical. You can take a bus for about $0.48 or a taxi for $2.89 per mile. There are a lot of local buses and taxis, allowing for swift travel at a fraction of the expense of these travel services in larger cities.

San Cristobal De Las Casas offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. For starters, it has some of the most gorgeous churches, such as the Central Cathedral , Templo Santo Domingo , and Iglesia de Guadalupe .

You can also take a stroll through the lively Mercado Municipal Market or visit the popular museum of Ambar . The city is surrounded by breathtaking nature, so take a day or two to visit the beautiful El Chiflon waterfalls, Sumidero Canyon, or the serene gardens of Orquideas Moxviquil .

Cozumel is an island situated on the Caribbean Sea off the coast of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo state.

This tropical destination is one of the safest cities to v isit, but also to reside in Mexico. The crime rating of Cozumel is 34.57%, and the US government has issued a mild travel warning to “Exercise Increased Caution.”

Cozumel has a variety of accommodations to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. From coastal lodgings to lovely boutique hotels, you can find very affordable options from $30 to $60 per night.

Sounds inviting? Consider these budget-friendly options: OYO Hotel Dos Mundos , La Perle Noire – Auberge , Bea ,  Bello Caribe Express , Bello Sol Caribe , Pal , Villas Colibrí Suites & Bungalows , Hacienda Ixtlan , Luna Azul , Caribe , Isla Esmeralda , and Mary Carmen .

Cozumel’s cuisine is a delectable blend of fresh seafood, signature Mexican flavors, and international influences. The best part — it’s affordable! Whether you pick a coastal restaurant or a local food booth, you may dine for as low as $3 .

The relatively small size of the island makes it easy to get around. Rent a scooter for $25, bike around the city for $10, take the bus for $0.59, or take a taxi for $0.95 per mile.

Cozumel is the top spot for water junkies. For starters, the island has the second-largest reef system after the Great Barrier Reef waiting for exploration. Another water adventure you can indulge in on Cozumel would be to swim with the world’s largest (but most friendly) shark specie s  — the whale shark.

And that’s not all. While the west side of Cozumel is mostly resort and seaside clubs, the island’s east side is a utopia of quiet beaches and intact nature.

While the beach is a major lure for visitors to Cozumel, exploring the town is just as enjoyable. Visit the main church, Iglesia de San Miguel , go shopping at the Benito Juarez Park Plaza and watch the sunset from the famous Malecon boardwalk . Last but not least, go back in time to the ancient Mayan remains of San Gervasio .

The charming Queretaro is the capital of the state of Queretaro.

With a crime index of 37.30%, Queretaro is a relatively safe destination — the U.S. government gives no strict travel warning for tourism except to “Exercise Increased Caution.” Yay, that we can do!

In Queretaro, you don’t have to sacrifice hotel comfort and safety for cheap deals. Accommodations range from $20 to $50 per night, which is very reasonable for a two-person stay.

Here are some of the best budget-friendly hotel options to consider: Tecnologico , Cuauhtemoc , Hotel Hi! , Morelos By HomiRent , Cinco de Mayo , Meson de Isabel , Meson Del Obispado , Hi Hotel Impala , Meson de Carolina , Oliver Inn , Tres Sofias , Meson de Sara , Florencia , Plaza Queretaro , and Calesa Real Hotel Boutique .

Queretaro’s gourmet scene is a feast of sensations, and the food is reasonably priced. According to Numbeo , you can try street food or eat at a local restaurant for less than $5.

Queretaro’s transportation is likewise inexpensive and convenient. Buses and taxis are widely available, so all the city’s many attractions are just a $0.60 bus ticket or $1.44 per mile a taxi away.

Now, let’s look at what interesting things travelers may do in this city! Queretaro has a UNESCO-listed historic center with beautiful colonial architecture and plazas. If you are a wine enthusiast, take a tour of the Finca Sala Vivé by Freixenet México winery.

We also recommend going museum hopping — visit the Mucal Calendar museum and Museo de la Casa Zacatecana . Don’t forget to explore the beautiful ancient pyramid in El Cerrito . It’s a sight you don’t want to miss!

Valladolid is a Mayan jewel nested in Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan Peninsula.

Here, crime is almost non-existent. It has the lowest crime rates on our list so far, with a rating of 9.12% on Numbeo. Nice! With no rigorous travel warnings from the U.S. government, you are welcome to explore everything the city offers while “Exercising Normal Precautions” .

Valladolid is also a bargain! Accommodations range from $30 to $50 per night, making it an affordable haven for budget tourists.

Don’t know where to book your stay? Consider Zaci , Casa Rico , Nojoch Nah , Rosalia , Casa Bamboo , Valladolid , San Clemente , Recuerdos , Hotel 41 , Hacienda Margot , Peregrina , Gayser , and Dsiena Valladolid .

Let’s move on to gastronomy! Numbeo ’s ratings of the cost of food at this destination reveal that you can enjoy regional delicacies at local cafes for $3, or treat yourself to a lovely three-course dinner for no less than $18.

You can stroll around Valladolid’s lovely streets on foot, or take advantage of local transportation choices — buses for the price of $0.48 and a one-mile taxi ride for $0.96.

Ready to explore the ancient wonders of Valladolid? Be awestruck by the majestic pyramids and temples at Chichen Itza , or the Mayan ruins at Ek Balam . Marvel at the Iglesia San Juan church or the beautiful central cathedral Iglesia de San Servicio . Something you don’t want to miss is, visiting some of the most beautiful cenotes Mother Earth has made, by far — Suytun , Zaci , San Lorenzo Oxman , and Saamal .

Campeche is a coastal beauty just waiting to be discovered.

And rest assured, you can do that safely since the city has a crime index of 30.76% and is designated as the safest location for travel by the U.S. travel advisory — where you just need to “Exercise Normal Precautions.”

Affordably priced rooms await you in Campeche, with pleasant two-person hotel rooms ranging from $20 to $50 per night. And wait until you see how beautiful they look!

We recommend Puesta del Sol , Residencial Edzna , Barranquilla , Hotel Edzna , Maya Ah Kim Pech , Xucum , Malecón , Balamku Hotel Petit , Boutique La Toja , Murallas 231 , and Casa Ximbal .

Campeche’s local eateries offer a delightful array of tasty Mexican dishes for just $3. Sitting at a mid-range restaurant won’t cost you a fortune either as you and your travel partner(s) can dig in a three-course meal for just $13.73.

Hopping from one place to another is affordable in Campeche. Opt for a $0.42 bus ticket or take a taxi for just $1.49 a mile. If you are staying at the city’s center, you are also free to explore the surrounding attractions on foot — trust us, you won’t be disappointed by the experience.

For starters, Campeche has well-preserved colonial buildings and fortifications designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The city’s natural reserves are perfect for bird-watching and wildlife appreciation.

Take time to appreciate the Mayan heritage at the Museo De La Arquitectura Maya and don’t forget to visit the very beautiful Edzna Mayan Ruins . Take a tour to see the Pirate ship or explore modern street art in Campeche’s New Town. And hey, don’t forget that Campeche is on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, so take the time to sunbathe on the beautiful beaches.

Nestled along the stunning Caribbean coast of Mexico, Tulum’s grandeur and reasonable prices are your ticket to a memorable journey.

Tulum has a crime index of 37.17% , and it’s situated in one of the U.S. travel warning’s safest states to visit , so you can discover this seaside beauty while practicing nothing more than “Normal Precautions.” Sounds great!

And the cherry on top? Tulum won’t drain your bank account. Accommodations range from $20 to $40 per night, providing a cost-effective refuge in the midst of the Caribbean.

There are also tons of beautiful hotels. Consider Sacbe , Xamira Luxury Condo , Bufo Alvarius , MT , Hostal Mulut , Luhme , Bayou , Castillo , Harmony Glamping Boutique Hotel and Yoga , The Reserve , Elena 306B , Nah , Mimosa , Chaac , Nicte Ha , and Kukulcan by Emotion .

Let’s chat about eating and transportation . There’s tantalizing street cuisine and tasty dinner options that cater to all budgets, ranging from $3 at low-cost restaurants to $25 at luxury establishments. Hop on a bus for $1.18 or pay a taxi for $0.95 per mile and find your best dining spot!

Now, brace yourself for adventure! Tulum’s renowned Mayan ruins sitting on the coast look like something from a fantasy. However, there’s something very special in the jungle as well — the Coba pyramids !

Sunbathe on one of Tulum’s most gorgeous beaches, Playa Paraiso, and don’t forget about the enchanted cenotes. Explore the caves of Caracol Cenote or go diving in Dos Ojos Cenote . Every day in Tulum will be filled with special memories that will linger with you like the murmur of the ocean.

Puerto Escondido

Introducing Puerto Escondido, a hidden jewel buried along Mexico’s Pacific coast that promises a dreamy retreat from everyday life.

The city’s crime rate is 43.19%, so the US government approves of visiting this paradise, but while “Exercising Increased Caution.”

And guess what? Your wallet will be grateful that you chose Puerto Escondido. Prices here range from $20 to $40 per night, and there are excellent accommodation options — you and your vacation partner would be in for a treat. Consider Yurimar , Casa La Paz , Costa 55 , Carruiz , Gamito , Palmarito , Naxhiely , Lekami , DuHotel , Cabañas Pepe , OYO Hotel Arena Surf , and VidaMar .

According to Numbeo , getting about Escondido is simple, with inexpensive local transportation options ranging from $0.59 for a bus to $0.95 for a taxi. When you’re done seeing the city, restore your batteries and fulfill your hunger at charming diners for no less than $5 per meal.

Puerto Escondido welcomes you to a world of low-cost activities, from seaside leisure to adrenaline-pumping water sports. The location is a surfer’s heaven, with waves that beckon thrill seekers. Go to the beach at night to see the stunning bioluminescence phenomenon . The Atotonilco Hot Springs and the coffee plantations near Pluma Hidalgo are popular trekking locations. Take a break from hiking while you’re at it, and plunge into La Reforma’s rainforest waterfall .

Welcome to the beautiful capital of Nuevo León, Monterrey — an urban oasis nestled in the rugged mountains of northeastern Mexico.

Safety is your co-pilot in Monterrey, but as with any bustling capital, the crime rates are a bit higher — 48.25%, so make sure you follow the U.S. travel advisory and “Exercise Increased Caution.”

When it comes to lodging, Monterrey is a budget-friendly jewel. Accommodations range from small hostels to stylish hotels, with costs anywhere from $20 to $50 per night.

You’ll love the low-cost lodgings we’ve picked for you. Check out Platino , Regis , Victoria , Adhoc Madero , CHN Hotel Monterrey Santa Fe , Hotel Hi! , Hotel 5a Avenida , Plaza Arteaga , Madero Express , El Regio , Hotel25 , Ibis Monterrey Aeropuerto , Fundador , Antique Barrio Antiguo , Booking 500 .

Is eating well a priority for you when you travel? You can satisfy your appetite in Monterrey without breaking the bank. Eat at charming local eateries for $7, or choose a three-course meal at a gorgeous mid-range restaurant for $30.

In terms of transportation, public buses cost $0.71 per mile, and taxis cost $0.76 per mile, so it’s super cheap to get around the city.

But which direction should you take? If you want to explore the city, you can go to art galleries, museums, bustling plazas, or the magnificent Santa Lucia Riverwalk . 

If you prefer nature, Monterrey’s landscapes invite you to hike in the Sierra de Madre Oriental mountains, go rock climbing at La Huasteca Canyon , take a dive at the natural pools of Matacanes Canyon , or explore the stunning Grutas de Garcia caves .

But there’s more — visit the city’s Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey , take a boat trip down the Paseo Santa Lucia , explore the Old Town, and savor sweets at the Museo del Dulce , or Museum of Sweets. Yum!

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a slice of paradise off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Isla Mujeres is the second destination in Mexico with the lowest crime levels , 14.71%. According to the U.S. travel warning , you can relax on this island while “Exercising Increased Caution.”

Isla Mujeres has the most magical places to call home during your visit. And they are affordable too — ranging from $40 to $60. Your accommodation options are varied — there are hotels, hostels, and even boat homes too!

Check out these affordable accommodations: Ocean Drive Hotel , Ma Elena , Fitz-Mar , Sayil , Casa María , Depto. El Abulon , Casa Iguana , Casa de los Elefantes , El Malecon , and Island Retreat on the Gemini Sailboat .

According to Numbeo , local eateries serve scrumptious dishes for no less than $6. On the other hand, eating at beachside restaurants cost around $35.81. Too much? Not at all, as the price includes a three-course meal for two. Now that’s a steal right there.

Isla Mujeres is fairly small, so exploring it feels like a breeze. Your best option would be to rent a golf cart for only $15 per hour. While a golf cart is a far more fun experience, if you aren’t comfortable driving one, you can take a cab for $0.77 per mile.

On this island, you’ll have plenty of beachside options for adventure and relaxation. Stick your toes in the most popular beach Playa Norte, or visit the historic park of Punta Sur. There you’ll enjoy the sights of the Mayan ruins — and meet some wild iguanas as well.

And, of course, there are the lovely turquoise waters that surround this island, inviting you to swim, surf, boat, and snorkel. While we’re on the subject of snorkeling, if you take a deep dive in the ocean, you’ll come upon the world-famous MUSA Underwater Sculpture Park .

Introducing the last city on our list — the intriguing Oaxaca, a cultural capital nestled in the heart of Oaxaca state.

Oaxaca City is a safe and welcoming place with crime rates of 42.84%. The crime rates may be higher than in the rest of the cities, but this is normal for a big capital. Plus, the U.S. government approves of visiting this city , so be “Extra Cautious” and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Now let’s talk about hotels. Boy, oh, boy, you’ll love it here. The capital features lovely and affordable hotels for around $15 to $40 per night for two people.

Here are some options you may like: Casa Leonor , El Andariego , Rivera , Villa Alta , Frida Bed & Breakfast , Posada San Rafael , La Casa Del Nenufar , Hostal Eclipse Oaxaca , Esperanza , NIUT-JA , and El Nito Posada .

Oaxaca City’s gastronomic scene invites you to treat your taste buds for only $5 in a budget-friendly restaurant . If you’re feeling extra hungry, go on a three-course culinary adventure at one of the city’s mid-range restaurants for only $20. Wow!

Explore the city’s colorful streets on foot, and when you’ve had enough of walking, hop on a bus for $0.48 or take a taxi for $0.96 per mile.

Oh, and wait till you see the splendor of activities that this city has in store for you. You can go to the El Zocalo, Oaxaca’s main square, and marvel at the beautiful central Cathedral . If you’re in the mood for more religious sights, then you must visit one of the most beautifully ornamented churches in the city, Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán .

Visit the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca to learn about the city’s history and culture. Visit the Oaxacan pyramids in Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Last but not least, stop by a local craft store, such as La Casa de las Artesanas de Oaxaca , and purchase a handicraft to take home as a souvenir of your trip.

So, which place is your go-to cheap and safe destination in Mexico?

Our absolute favorite is Tulum. It’s a haven of safety, situated on one of the safest states in Mexico — the Yucatan Peninsula. The crime rate is around 30%, which is very low compared to the other coastal hotspots tourists usually pick. For instance, one of the most popular destinations in this area, Cancun, has a crime rate of 56.33%.

Another destination we like is the island of Cozumel. Here, accommodations are a dream you don’t need to stretch your wallet for! You can feel at home for no more than $30, which is way cheaper than what you’d pay in popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas, where the cheapest hotel room is around $50 per night.

And if you want to feel like you’re on vacation but don’t want to be concerned about getting from point A to point B, Isla Mujeres is the place to be. Here, everything feels close, plus the main forms of transportation are golf carts and bikes. If you go to Mexico City, for example, you’ll have to continually move around by bus, taxi, or rental car, which means more money spent on transport.

Every location offers a unique experience in and of itself, so pick wisely and have your fantasy Mexican vacation.

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I really like your stories about Mexico but might you date your articles? As a world traveler (58 countries, lived in seven) and someone who has lived in Mexico for five years, I can tell you that prices and crime rates have changed a lot in this country during the past few years. If you give your readers a date, we’ll have a sense of how much things might have changed. Thanks.

Hi Doris, thank you for reading and providing your insights. Our usual writing methodology is the initial writing of the article and then continually updating it as significant changes arise. It’s a great idea for us to think about how we can providing some dating maybe within the article to show update areas and the timing. We’ll think about the best way of doing that, thanks again!

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TOP 10 cheap places to visit in Mexico

Find out what are the best cheap places to visit in Mexico and how to have affordable vacations in this awesome country.

Tiffany Tiff Travels

Mar 23, 2023

If you’re reading this blog post you most likely love to travel, especially on a budget .  I can relate because I do as well. That was how I found the best cheap places to visit in Mexico and in many other amzing countries around the world. 

I have been solo traveling as a full time digital nomad  for the past 2 years and visited a total of 7 countries, with of course many more to come. Out of all the landscapes and countries I have visited, there is one specific place that stood out amongst the rest — Mexico.

This country is far more than just Cancun and Tulum (which are both beautiful cities by the way). It's filled with so much culture, amazing food, and absolutely breathtaking landscapes. Mexico is bound to take your breath away.

Not only is the country south of the border to the USA very affordable, it's also a hotspot destination for digital nomads , expatriates, and budget travellers ! 

It is also huge, one of the larger ones on the globe. With its wide vastness, price ranges may vary from city to city.

There are plenty of spots to hit up during your backpacking trip and we’re going to go through some awesome destinations for a great and affordable vacation .

Don't miss out our list of the best places to visit in Mexico .

How to have an affordable vacation in Mexico

In this blog post I am going to share my experience backpacking in Mexico , how I was able to do it on a budget, and how you’ll be able to as well!

A few things we will review in this article:

• 10 cheap places to visit in Mexico 

Finding fun things to do in Mexico

Finding affordable accommodation in mexico, finding affordable transportation in mexico.

More on cheap travel in Mexico on our  guide to travel Mexico on a budget .

Top 10 cheap places to visit in Mexico

I’ve got some great recommendations of cheap places to visit in Mexico to offer, most of them with hot weather and beautiful beaches ! Check it out below.

1. Puerto Vallarta 

Puerto Vallarta   is an amazing alternative to other more known beach towns to have a great vacation in Mexico by the water.

Located in the state of Jalisco , on the Pacific coast, it is a friendly city with stunning beaches and lots of fun activities to keep you busy for days. While you're there, don't miss out the trendy Los Muertos beach and the more deserted Conchas Chinas beach. You can also go snorkeling, visit art galleries and watch the sunset from the Malecon.

If you want to stay longer and get free accommodation while you have an unforgettable experience, you might consider doing a work exchange program there through the Worldpackers platform. .

There are some awesome  volunteer opportunities in Puerto Vallarta,  where you exchange a few hours of work for accommodation and other perks, like meals and tours. You can volunteer as a receptionist, cleaner or tour guide while improving your Spanish and making friends.

2. Playa del Carmen 

Playa Del Carmen, in Yucatan Peninsula , is a well known expat and digital nomad hotspot for a reason! Not only is this city insanely beautiful, it is affordable as well. It's definitely one of my favorite cheap places to visit in Mexico.

While you're there, I recommend taking a dip in a Cenote , trying traditional Mayan food, exploring the Chichen Itza, checking out the Frida Kahlo Museum, strolling the shops of La Quinta, partying at Coco Bongo, taking a day trip to Xpu Ha and taking a ferry to Cozumel.

Accommodation in this city is affordable, but there are also a few different work exchanges in Yucatan to choose from. It's basically impossible to get bored in this vibrant beach town.

3. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres was one of my favorite parts of backpacking Mexico . A beautiful little island off the coast of Cancun, where you can get to by taking a 30 minute ferry for as low as $16. 

This amazing place, which translates to “women island”, has a totally different vibe to Cancun , which is known as Mexico’s “party capital”. Most people go to Isla Mujeres to escape the buzz and relax.

The island is quite touristy but there are ways to get around the tourist traps. Located all across the tiny island are grocery stores and OXXO gas station shops where you can stuff to cook homemade meals and save money by not eating out. 

There are also highly rated hostels starting at $14 a night. Or if you plan on spending over a month, you can volunteer in Islas Mujeres   as well. At this position you can make and learn delicious Cocktails to serve a hostel's guests.

4. Valladolid 

Located in Yucatan northern Quintana Roo, this colourful city in Mexico is a hidden gem. It's still relatively off the beaten path , what makes it a great place to experience authentic Mayan culture and also makes it easier to avoid tourist traps. 

There are amazing Cenotes in Valladolid, as well as traditional dance performances, Mayan ruins, a great local market... And you can see most of that at very affortable rates.

With beautiful beach scenery and delicious tacos for as low as $2, Valladolid is a great spot for a short vacation or a few months volunteering with Worldpackers  while helping in a farm or in a hostel . 

5. Guadalajara

Located in the western part of Mexico, Guadalajara is buzzing with unique culture, food, colonial architecture, and friendly people. It's the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and many consider it the cultural center of Mexico. 

It's the home of mariachi music and hosts many large-scale cultural events. It's one of the best cheap places to visit in Mexico if you like bigger cities and want to see the mix of tradition and modernity.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities located here so don't worry about finding accommodation. And if you don't decide to volunteer and would rather chill, it's alright! There are many affordable hostels starting as low as $6. 

If you're planning a trip to Mexico it's no doubt that you've heard of the famous beach city Cancun. A place of partying and having a good time, Cancun has a lot to offer to budget backpackers . It's probably not the first destination that comes to your mind when you think of cheap places to visit in Mexico, but it can surprise you.

Surprisingly I was able to snag a private room in an Airbnb for just $10 a night. Accommodation in this town can range from extremely affordable to extremely expensive as it's one of the most popular cities in the entire country.

There are plenty of tourist traps that can get up to hundreds of dollars but Cancun can truly be explored on a budget if a backpacker explores cenotes, beaches, and waterfalls for themself. 

You can do all of that while volunteering in Cancun . Among other positions, you have the chance to spend some time there  welcoming guests , cooking or being a Social Media Content creator .

If you figure out the bus routes , you're able to explore most this city and its surroundings by yourself, while saving a lot of money.

Tulum vs Cancun is one of the most frequently asked questions when planning a trip to Mexico. Check out the article if you have to decide between one of them.

You might also want to read our article about safety in Cancun .

7. San Cristóbal de las Casas

In the southernmost state of Chiapas, only a few hours drive away from the Guatemala border lies the beautiful tucked away city of San Cristobal de las Casas . 

There are so many things to do in this city! Whether you’re exploring the indigenous culture or hiking the unique landscape , San Cristobal de las Casas will surely take your breath away without taking too much out of your pocket.

Chiapas was one of my favorite parts of backpacking in Mexico because there was so much to do at affordable rates. You can either do a decent priced tour of Sumidero Canyon or take your own adventure and experience local living by taking a colectivo. 

I am vegan traveller and had no problems finding food to suit my needs. There were several delicious plant-based restaurants where I ate a full plate of food, and often had leftovers, for only $5 USD.  

Accommodation in San Cristobal is very affordable as well. You can find a hostel for as low as $6 per night.

If you would like to stay there for longer than two weeks and in very good locations, it is best to find a   volunteering position .

8. Mexico City

If you’re taking a trip to Mexico, don't miss out on the delicious meals. Mole, nachos, tacos, refried beans, horchata , you name it! There are so many yummy foods to try that will not break the bank. 

Mexico City has lots of street vendors, that are honestly better than restaurants most times, and they sell authentic and flavourful food. I’ve found it's best to find affordable and cheap food outside of the major tourist areas. 

Mexico City is not necessarily the most affordable place in the country but it is highly recommended for the rich culture and food they have to offer. And, as in most big cities, if you ask local people you'll be able to find cheaper options for food, accommodation and activities.

If you’re interested in staying in Ciudad de Mexico for several weeks you can of course snag a Worldpackers opportunity  to save a good amount of money. 

9. Oaxaca City

Oaxaca is one of the underrated beauties of Mexico. A state filled with gorgeous scenery and unique indigenous culture, it is one of the best cheap places to visit in Mexico to be engulfed by traditions. 

There's a lot to see in the city's surroundings, such as Monte Alban ruins, the village of Mitla, and the amazing Hierve el Agua , but the capital city itself is already super rich in culture. 

It's also known as one of the best places to experience the Día de los Muertos celebrations , so beware that prices will probably be higher at that time of the year - but it's worth it!

You'll find plenty of affordable hostels in Oaxaca City, as well as Worldpackers opportunities located in this state . 

10. Puerto Escondido

Last but not least we have Puerto Escondido, a beautiful beach city located in the cultural state of Oaxaca. To catch a break from the Caribbean Sea of Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, enjoy the beautiful crystal clear beach waters of the Pacific in Puerto Escondido.

With an alive night scene and beautiful beaches , it's almost impossible to get bored in this city. If you are a photographer you'll get a chance to test our your artistic eye with the surf able waves and numerous cliffs dotted all along the coast.

Check out all the work exchange opportunities in Puerto Escondido !

It's almost impossible to get bored in Mexico with all the cenotes, pyramids, beaches, and pre-colonial sites. If you are a  solo travele r , you'll see that it's very easy to make friends while traveling Mexico on a budget, especially if you stay in hostels.

If you do a work exchange you will have time to explore one or more states and you will have your host's help to find events that are free or cost very little.

Another great way to find fun things to do in Mexico is to follow local travel influencers on social media. You can also use apps like Couchsurfing to find other travelers and meet up. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone! 

There are plenty of ways to save money via accommodation while traveling throughout Mexico. You don’t have to spend $100+ a night at the Hilton in order to see this stunning country. If you're open to staying in local guest houses or hostels , you're going to spend very little.

If your goal is a cultural experience, I highly recommendo volunteering.  Worldpackers is a great platform that offers a lot of different types of projects worldwide. With over 150 opportunities decorated around the entire country , it is possible to spend zero dollars for accommodation in Mexico.

When I hit my last stop in Mexico City, I volunteered for this newly opened cafe  and helped out with their social media. I took creative pictures for their Instagram stories, produced attractive reels, and helped design their website. In exchange, I got my own private little apartment. 

The work I did was not strenuous at all and it was easy for me, as social media and content creation is one of my specialties. I highly recommend volunteering with Worldpackers for those who wish to travel and are willing to exchange some of their skills and talents for a nice place to sleep. 

Overall, Mexico is quite an affordable country but transportation can get to be a bit pricey if not booked in advance . I always use my travel hacks to find a pocket-friendly flight domestically. 

I recommend looking for flights on  kiwi.com , but it's important to only use it on a private browser so that your search engine does not recognise a flight pattern and raise prices. I like to search after midnight on weekdays, never weekends (prices are higher).

If you decide to take a flight and book with the local airline  Viva Aerobus , be aware that although they’re the cheapest option, they charge many extra fees as carry ons and early check in. Also, be sure to arrive at the airport a few hours early if flying with this company.

Buses are also an option. The most common bus company to travel around Mexico on a budget is called ADO . You can find them all around the country.

When I landed in Cancun I had the option to take an overpriced taxi into the city center but there was so conveniently an ADO bus leaving ten minutes after I arrived.

Whether you’re taking the bus or flying, I recommend you book in advance. 

When I just need to head to a place close by I like to either walk or take the local bus for a few pesos or take Uber or DiDi if needed.

In conclusion, it is possible to have a fun, relaxing, rejuvenating, and adventurous vacation and find cheap places to visit in Mexico .

Apply the tips you’ve just read up above and enjoy your time in this unforgettable country!

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Tiff Travels

Hello beautiful people of the internet! My name is Tiffany and I've been traveling the world solo for the past 2 years (I'm currently 21) and been to 5 countries including Zanzibar. My first 2 experiences with worldpackers have been in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and San Francisco, California and I plan on continuing my travels with the company. Let's go explore the world together!

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The Cost of Travel in Mexico: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Ask me about my favourite country in the world and I’ll tell you about Mexico.

I’ve been fortunate to have visited over a hundred countries during my past decade of travel, but it’s Mexico that never fails to leave me swooning.

I love this country so much that I can’t recommend a visit highly enough. Not only is Mexico full of beautiful scenery, world-class beaches, and wonderful locals, but it’s relatively inexpensive, too. And the food . The tacos! Mexico is worth visiting for the food alone. And yes, I want to reassure you that it is safe to visit.

As I write this now, in January 2024, I’ve spent a whopping seven months in Mexico and I’m currently planning on returning for another three. Over that time, I spent months living in a hippie beach town on the Pacific Coast, several weeks in the central mountain ranges, and two months making my way around the Yucatan. In other words, I’ve seen a hell of a lot of this incredible country, and I’m excited to share this detailed budget breakdown with you all.

Because while I’ve been making my way across this wonderful country, I’ve also been tracking every single peso I’ve spent.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to travel in Mexico, let’s jump in.

The Cost of Accommodation in Mexico

I’ll kick things off by focusing on my backpackers and budget travellers out there. If that’s you, you’ll be glad to hear that you can get by in Mexico on very little. Note that all the prices I mention below are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

Cheap Accommodation

As in many parts of the world, hostels are one of the best low-cost accommodation options. Mexico has hostels in most major city and towns across the country, and they’re one of the best ways of saving money while still making friends. I always recommend staying in hostels if you’re going to be travelling alone!

Hostels in Mexico are similarly priced to those in Central America, so you can get by on not very much at all. You can expect to spend around $15-25 a night for a dorm bed in a well-rated hostel, or around $60 for a private room . If you’re travelling as part of a couple, you may find you end up spending a similar amount for a private room versus just getting two beds in a dorm.

Airbnb is another option worth keeping in mind, as staying in a private room ( not renting out the entire apartment!) with a local can often work out to be more affordable than spending a night in a hostel, especially if you’re a couple. Head on over to the Airbnb website and it’s not hard to find accommodation for $30 a night . You’ll be more comfortable than you would be in a hostel, receive faster internet, and will get to hang out with the locals, which is what travel’s all about! 

Free Accommodation

If you’re on a really tight budget, there are options in Mexico that mean getting to explore the country for  free . Couchsurfing has been a budget travel staple for over a decade now, and there are  hundreds of thousands of hosts  across the country. You’ll be able to stay for free with a local and gain an insight into life in Mexico that’s tough to experience when staying with other travellers in hostels.

Housesitting  is a more upmarket option, aimed at mid-range and luxury travellers. Housesitting involves taking care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, often (but not always) looking after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees, as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you’ll need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you  do  have that freedom, though it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you can also check out  WorldPackers (use promo code neverendingfootsteps for a $10 discount). Through the site, you’ll receive totally free accommodation (and often food) in exchange for a few hours of work each day.

Think: working in a hostel, helping with gardening, or even taking care of alpacas. You’ll likely make tons of new friends, learn a new skill, and, depending on where you end up, see a side of Mexico that few travellers get to experience. 

My Accommodation Recommendations in Mexico

Tulum: Ah, Tulum. It has a reputation for being expensive, but bargains can still be had. Casa Almendro comes in at $51 a night — a steal for Tulum — and still manages to have the amenities of a luxury hotel. You’re within walking distance of the centre of Tulum, so finding a restaurant becomes a hell of a lot easier. You’ve got a kickass rooftop area with hammocks to lounge in. It’s directly opposite a market, so you can easily buy produce from there to cook, if you feel like eating in one night. And you can even rent bicycles to help you explore Tulum in more depth , something I can’t recommend doing highly enough.

Puerto Vallarta: I could say this about everywhere I’ve visited in Mexico, but I love Puerto Vallarta. It’s so much fun! With a great beach and delicious food, it combines the two best aspects of Mexican life. But where to stay? I stayed in Garlands del Rio at $88 a night , and loved its laidback vibe right on the river. There’s a lovely pool and bar area, and honestly, I wish everywhere offered me chips and salsa and a margarita on arrival like this place does! The owner seems determined to make everyone’s stay as perfect as possible, and when you do leave the hotel, restaurants, bars, and the city’s famous beach are all close by.

Mexico City: If there’s one thing you need to know about Mexico City, it’s that it’s large. And choosing a hotel — and indeed a neighbourhood — can be overwhelming. I recommend going for a place in Coyoacán, and in particular, I love what  Finca Coyoacán has to offer, at a price of $83 a night . You’ll be in the perfect place to explore the markets and restaurants of Coyoacán , and be able to retreat each nice to a safe haven with a super-comfortable bed, friendly staff, and even free fruit to snack on! There’s a reason why this is one of the best-rated properties in the entire city!

Oaxaca: When it comes to Oaxaca, I wouldn’t consider staying anywhere other than La Betulia , which comes in at $137 a night . It’s in one of my favourite areas of the city, just a few minutes away from the iconic Santa Domingo church, yet is still quiet enough for you to feel as though you’re worlds away from the city. And the breakfasts? Too good! What I love about La Betulia is that they offer up Mexican dishes for breakfast, in addition to the more Western flavours, so you’ll get to dive into the country’s cuisine and eat as the locals do. With some of the most welcoming locals in the city, beautiful rooms, and a propensity for attracting guests that fast become friends, there’s no wonder I can’t stop singing its praises!

Isla Mujeres: I stayed at the phenomenal Casa Barco Hotel while I was in Isla Mujeres; easily the best properties on the entire island! At a price of $130 a night , it’s also one of the best-value options in town (Isla Mujeres is pricey). It’s located in the north of the island, within walking distance to the one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in Mexico. The staff were absolutely wonderful here and offered up some great food recommendations for our stay. And that swimming pool? So picturesque!

The Cost of Transportation in Mexico

Mexico’s a big country, but fortunately, it’s home to a solid public transportation system.

The bus is one of my favourite ways to explore the country, and it’s one of the cheapest, too. If you’re going to be travelling south of Mexico City, I can’t recommend the bus company ADO enough. They run luxury buses throughout this part of the country, offering comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. They’re seriously up-market buses and well-worth paying for. I include some of their prices at the end of this section.

For smaller distances, you’ll be able to utilise colectivos , which are minivans that fit around 12 people. Just jump on board, tell the driver where you want to go, wait for the other people to get in, and then stop when you’re at your stop. They’re very affordable. I travelled by colectivo between Playa del Carmen and Akumal (M$40/$2.50)  and it as super-efficient, easy to use, and reasonably comfortable.

Unfortunately, trains don’t really exist in Mexico, with a couple of exceptions. Something that’s been on my Mexico wishlist for a while now is the Copper Canyon Railway, which runs through Mexico’s Copper Canyon and takes around 16 hours. There’s also a train that runs between Guadalajara and Tequila, which is known as the Tequila Express. Aside from those two journeys, though, you won’t be riding the rails while you’re in Mexico.

Once you’re on the ground, taxis are prevalent and Uber is available in several major destinations, like Mexico City, Cancun, Guanajuato, Tijuana, and Puerto Vallarta. There’s also the Cabify app, which works the same way as Uber. If you take regular cabs, you can expect to pay anywhere from M$10 to M$50 per km  depending on where you are in Mexico: as with basically every country in the world, expect to have a struggle to find a taxi driver that’s using their meter!

If you’re confident about driving in another country, you could always look into renting a car to explore the country. I have several friends who have done this and were surprised by how safe it felt to do so. They had no major incidents! A week-long car hire out of Cancun costs $110 for an economy option , so the prices aren’t too bad. I use  Skyscanner to find the cheapest car rentals.

Finally, I want to talk about flying in Mexico. If the distances are large (say you want to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Cancun), it makes more sense to fly. Mexico is a vast country and overland distances can take many days. I flew from Guanajuato to Cancun to save on the journey time and it ended up costing just $74 .

Here are some typical overland transportation costs you’ll come up against while you’re travelling in Mexico:

• Bus ride from Cancun Airport to Tulum: M$420 ($25)
• Bus ride from Tulum to Playa del Carmen: M$120 ($7)
• Bus ride from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid: M$250 ($15)
• Bus ride from Mexico City to Oaxaca: M$419 ($25)
• Bus ride from Mexico City to Puebla: M$174 ($11)
• Bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita: M$55 ($3.50)
• Ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel: M$280 ($17)

The Cost of Food in Mexico

If the food doesn’t end up being the highlight of your time in Mexico, I’ll be more than shocked. After all, I’m the person who regularly plans trips to Mexico for the sole reason of eating as much food as possible.

In fact, Mexico is my number one country in the world for eating.

And most exciting of all? The local food in Mexico is so cheap! You can get by on $1-2 a meal if you’re on a tight budget, but if you’re willing to splurge, you’ll be looking at paying as much as $10 per meal . It’s all so inexpensive. And delicious! Have I mentioned that it’s delicious?

One dish that you have to try in Mexico is cochinita pibil — it’s my favourite thing to eat in the country! Cochinita pibil is pulled pork shoulder that’s been slow-roasted and braised in achiote, orange juice, and lime. Throw some pickled onions on top, and you have the most incredible dish. It’s tender, tangy, full of flavour, and you can eat it in sandwiches and tacos for a dollar or two. You’ll find it everywhere in the Yucatan.

Tacos are probably going to fuel your Mexico sightseeing activities, as they’re cheap, delicious, and easy to find. You’ll eat them in a corn tortilla rather than a flour one that’s more popular in Western countries, and there are dozens of different flavours to choose from.

One of my favourites is tacos al pastor, which features schwarma-style pork and grilled pineapple, but I also love the chorizo, carnitas (deep-fried pork), and carne asada. In case you hadn’t realised, yes, I’m a big fan of pork.

Now, tempting as it is to live on tacos the entire time you’re in Mexico (I won’t judge you if you do), there are so many other great eating options that you really do need to try.

Let’s start with breakfast. And by breakfast, I mean chilaquiles. I’m not saying this is the healthy option, but I am definitely saying it is the delicious option. I mean, how could you not love fried tortillas, chopped up and covered with salsa, crumbled cheese, beans, eggs, and whatever else takes the chef’s fancy? There are many variations around the country, and I think I’ve just about tried them all at this point! You’ll pay $6-10 depending on what’s on it and where you are.

Most of the things that go inside a tortilla can be found inside bread as well: tortas are everywhere, and just as delicious. You won’t be shocked to hear that cocinita pibil is my favourite filling here as well, but I’ve had everything from chicken, beans, and fish to, famously once, chilaquiles. Dave and I still talk about that meal to this day. Expect to pay around $3 .

Tamales are also easily available, at least in some parts of the country. Look out for vendors standing over the distinctive streaming metal containers on street corners and then run, don’t walk, to grab yourself something incredible to eat.

Made from masa (a dough made from ground corn) and filled with chicken, pork, cheese, or beans, they’re wrapped in corn husk or banana leaf, then steamed in that metal container until they’re soft and delicious. I loved them on chilly afternoons in Guanajuato, but honestly, I’d eat them no matter the weather! They’re usually $1-2 each.

The Cost of Activities in Mexico

The cost of your activities are going to vary based on which part of the country you’re going to be visiting. In the Yucatan, much of your pesos will be spent on ruin-hopping and jungle-trekking; on the Pacific Coast, you’ll all about whale-watching and surfing.

These are the entrance fees (2024) to many of the popular attractions across the country:

• Entrance to Chichen Itza: M$614 ($36)
• Entrance to Coba ruins: M$100 ($6)
• Entrance to Tulum ruins: M$90 ($5.50) + national park fee of M$58 ($3.50) for most visitors
• Entrance to Cenote Dos Ojos: M$350 ($21)
• Entrance to Guanajuato’s Mummy Museum: M$97 ($6)
• Entrance to Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology:  M$95 ($6)
• Entrance to Oaxaca’s Hierve el Agua waterfalls:  M$50 ($3)
• Entrance to Mexico City’s Frida Kahlo Museum:  M$250-270 ($15-16)
• Entrance to a Lucha Libre wrestling match:  M$120+ ($7) depending on your seat and who is fighting

As you can see, most attractions are pretty reasonably priced.

Let’s now take a look at the typical activities you can do in Mexico, as well as their costs. Whenever I visit a country, I always make sure to check out the tours that are available on Get Your Guide . I book 99% of the tours I take through there.

Other activities include:

• Earlier entrance to Chichen Itza : $70
• Sightseeing and Snorkelling catamaran cruise from Cancun : $59
• Rio Secreto underground river tour : $89
• Luxury sailing and snorkelling tour from Cabo San Lucas : $111
• Mexico City market and street food tour : $105
• Jungle buggy tour from Playa del Carmen with cenote swimming : $105
• Snorkelling tour to the famous Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta : $121

Overall, then, if you’re going to be travelling to Mexico on a budget, you can see that the activities are really going to be where your costs start to increase. Still, I don’t think the prices for the tours are outrageous — they’re similar to what you’d pay in the U.S. — although they may be something you’ll want to skip out on if you’re watching your money.

The Cost of Miscellaneous Items in Mexico

Travel insurance:  If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Mexico. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

A dry bag: If you’re going to be hitting the beaches in Mexico or taking any boat trips, I highly recommend packing a dry bag  to take with you. A dry bag has saved me while travelling on so many occasions:

• On a kayaking trip from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Nok, in Thailand, a freak wave splashed over me, as well as my camera and phone. Had I not had them in a dry bag, the water damage would have likely destroyed them.
• On a ferry ride in Thailand, the boat sprung a leak and began to sink. I was able to put my laptop, camera, hard drive, passport, and money in my dry bag, seal it up, and know that they’d stay safe and dry if the worst were to happen.
• I chartered a yacht in Greece and when mooring in tiny bays, was able to fill my dry bag with my camera, towel, and sunscreen, jump in the sea, and swim to the nearest empty beach without worrying about keeping my belongings dry.
• I also think dry bags are fantastic for solo travellers on beach days. In French Polynesia, I filled mine with my valuables and took it for a swim with me, rather than having to leave them on my towel while hoping nobody would grab them.

I love all things Sea to Summit, and after trying several of their dry bags out, my favourite is the Ultra-Sil 8L — it’s durable, thin, lightweight, and has never let me down — I’ve been using it for over five years.

A GRAYL water purifier bottle: In countries with unsafe drinking water, I recommend picking up a  GRAYL water bottle  to save money on drinking while also helping protect the environment. This bottle comes complete with a filter that makes tap water safe to drink — you fill the bottle with water, slide the filter down to the bottom, then drink away. Doing so kills 99.9999% of all viruses, bacteria, and parasites in water and gets rid of any sediment, heavy metals, or weird flavours, making it completely safe to drink. You can drink tap water anywhere in the world with this bottle and not get sick — whether you’re in Mexico, Mozambique, or the Maldives! Trust me — I’ve used it in dozens of countries and never fallen unwell from doing so.

My Overall Travel Expenses in Mexico

My daily expenses for a mid-range month-long trip through Mexico:

Accommodation: $62 a day Transportation: $11.80 a day Food: $13.70 a day Activities: $12.38 a day

Total: $99.88 a day

Related Articles on Mexico 🏖 28 Incredible Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 🏝 24 Incredible Things to Do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico ☀️ Isla Mujeres: My Mexican Island Paradise 🌈 Guanajuato: The Prettiest City in Mexico 🐚 Tulum and the Best Beach Ever 🧐 A Love-Hate Relationship with Playa del Carmen 🙈 That Time I Stayed in a Hotel Without Walls 🏡 Finding An Apartment in Sayulita

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Love this post! I’m going to be spending three months in Mexico in 2020 and this gives me a good idea of what I can expect to spend. My question for you, if you had to choose to spend three months on the west cost, east coast, or central area, which would you choose? Not that I’m necessarily going to do that, but I’m curious to get your answer. Thanks! :)

This was so helpful!! Would you mind sharing where you found such good prices for staying in Oaxaca?

Thank you! I actually just walked around town looking for any signs advertising rooms for rent. I ended up staying in a small studio apartment owned by a local woman — so not anywhere you could book online. If you want to stay long-term, it’s best to turn up and ask around to get the best deals.

thank you for the post! my partner and I are going to mexico in January for 2 months and are in a tight budget, I’d love to know where its the best place that you’d recommend for us to go or which route. Also we have a workaway account to volunteer for a bit we were thinking around 3 weeks.

Soooooo useful! I can’t wait to get to Mexico and I’m so happy to see it’s not going to be anywhere near as expensive as I was expecting. Slow travel is always the way to go!

Have an amazing time in Mexico! :-)

Thank you for the valuable info!! Looking to travel for a few months in Jan. 2021 if safe to do so. Very interested in Oaxaco area. Kind Regards

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Meet Lauren Juliff

The 15 best places to visit in Mexico

Oct 9, 2023 • 14 min read

Explore Mexico's stunning landscape and see the best the country has to offer © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Cantinas and cathedrals. Art and archaeology. Mariachis and mountains. Ruins and rainbow reefs. Mexico makes a mesmerizing escape for lovers of adventure, romance, history, culture, food, and fiery festivals .

Then there are the much-lauded  beaches with clear, blue waters you’ll want to step right into and silent paradise islands without a soul in sight. From the deep canyons of Chihuahua to the peaks of Veracruz, these are the best places to visit in Mexico .

1. Mexico City

Best place for art and vibrant culture

Wondering where to go for your first trip to Mexico? Start in the bustling capital that brims with skyscrapers, markets, gardens and parks , awe-inspiring museums and more than 22 million residents.

Top Mexico City sights include “Casa Azul,” better known as Museo Frida Kahlo , where the celebrated artist lived and died. High-spirited high jinks and chihuahua-sized micheladas are on offer when catching a lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) match at the sprawling Arena México .

For artsy folks, Mexico City is where many of the country's top muralists left behind their most important works. Peruse Diego Rivera's cinematic murals in the Palacio Nacional and the social-realism work of José Clemente Orozco in the Palacio de Bellas Artes .

For a taste of culture, float along the ancient canals of Xochimilco with a mariachi band serenade, or savor piping-hot tacos from the many street-food stalls in the downtown areas before catching a show at one of the city’s 160-odd theaters. You might be lost for words, but you’ll never be short of things to do in Mexico City.

Planning tip : Couple your Mexico City stay with a trip to see the pyramids at Teotihuacán . This archaeological site is located 50km (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, and it was one of the largest in the Americas in the pre-Columbian era. Visit during the vernal equinox to celebrate spring.

2. Isla Holbox

Best island for bioluminescence and flamingos

For its size, Isla Holbox packs a strong biodiversity punch. Only a mile wide and 26 miles long, this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico to see bubblegum-pink flamingos in the wild (head to Punta Mosquito), catch a glimpse of whale sharks (between mid-May and mid-September), and witness the mesmerizing show of bioluminescent phytoplankton glimmering in the water. Comparable to sparkling underwater fireworks, these glowing micro-organisms are best seen on moonless nights.

Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is a laid-back dream of an island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula .

With no vehicles to disturb the peace (cars are banned), sandy streets lead to endless beaches with warm, inviting water that’s waist-deep at most for adults. The island’s one alleged drawback? Questionable wi-fi, which encourages travelers to disconnect.

3. San Miguel de Allende

Best place for craft shops and folk art

This Mexican beauty has it all: a fantastic spring-like climate, extraordinary light, breathtaking architecture, superb handicraft shopping, and well-attended art workshops. With a high gallery-to-resident ratio, San Miguel de Allende is one of the best places for creative types to visit in Mexico.

The cobbled city has been luring retirees and bewitching artists since the first art institute opened in a former convent back in the 1930s. It then enticed Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady, who came to drink, write and read poetry in the 1960s (the latter stayed there until his death).

Today, San Miguel de Allende’s narrow, sloped streets house boutiques and cafes that dangle multicolored ribbons from wrought iron window bars, and its vibe is akin to a sepia-toned postcard from the past.

Buildings in the historic district adhere to a color code of saffron, rusty orange, ochre, terracotta, and mustard yellow. Grab a birdseye view of them from one of the city’s numerous rooftops, like Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, a firm favorite.

Planning tip : San Miguel de Allende is a three-hour drive north of Mexico City in the state of Guanajuato . Visit in spring to see the purple jacaranda trees in full bloom.

Best place for lagoon living and Maldives vibes

Everything about Bacalar is magical. Not only was it recognized by the Mexican government as a Magic Town ( Pueblo Mágico ) in 2006, but it’s also known for its ethereal jewel-toned lagoon, serene spas offering Mexican healing rituals and a distinct bohemian vibe.

Diners enjoy live music sessions beside bright indoor murals at tropical restaurant-meets-gallery El Manati , and wellness-minded travelers experience temazcal sweat ceremonies and copal cleansings at Casa Hormiga boutique hotel.

The prized activities in Bacalar are kayaking, paddleboarding and boating on the 26-mile Bacalar Lagoon , which is known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de Los Siete Colores) due to its mesmerizing gradient of blues and greens.

The town also has a 90m-deep (295ft) cenote (freshwater pool) and an old Spanish fortress . Nicknamed “the Maldives of Mexico,” unhurried Bacalar is one of the best places to visit in Mexico to get away from it all.

Planning tip : Bacalar is in the state of Quintana Roo, close to Mexico’s border with Belize. To get there using public transportation, take the ADO bus from Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

5. Guadalajara

Best city for mariachi music, tequila and fine dining

Guadalajara , Mexico's second-largest city, is a dynamic cultural hub in the state of Jalisco. This is the tequila-producing region where Mariachi music was born, as well as charrería , Mexico’s national sport (don’t miss September’s annual International Mariachi and Charrería Festival).

Must-sees in Guadalajara include a lienzo (a charrería arena), the vivid frescoes of the Instituto Cultural de Cabaña – a testament to the genius of one-handed muralist José Clemente Orozco – and the three-story Mercado San Juan de Dios , Latin America’s largest indoor market.

Despite being deeply rooted in tradition, Guadalajara has recently gained recognition for its modern gastronomic excellence with multiple appearances on the coveted World’s 50 Best lists. Delight in upscale, globalized Mexican cuisine and cocktails at Alcalde and El Gallo Altanero.

Planning tip : Guadalajara's allure extends beyond its city limits. Use it as your gateway to Lake Chapala (one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country), the agave-clad fields of Tequila, or other charming Magic Towns like Tlaquepaque or Tapalpa.

6. Puerto Vallarta

Best place for sand, adventure and LGBTIQ+ events

With climactic and wild scenery, Puerto Vallarta is a popular vacation destination for Mexicans and foreign travelers alike. Framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Banderas), it's a place where thrill seekers conquer rugged terrain and rappel down waterfalls, and families frolic on sun-kissed beaches – Playa Conchas Chinas , Playa Las Gemelas and Playa Mismaloya are noteworthy sandy spots.

The city is also popular among LGBTIQ+ travelers; there are gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta hotels, beach bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments. Lovers take to the Zona Romantica (Romanic Zone) for alfresco meals, and strolling along the picturesque Malecon boardwalk, with its numerous bronze sculptures and street performers, is one of the best free things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

There's also plenty going on in the ocean, where you can see humpback whales breaching on the horizon, pods of dolphins rising from the waves, and mother turtles arriving to lay their eggs.

Planning tip : The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta to witness a baby turtle release is between July and December. Selected hotels like Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa host newborn turtle release ceremonies.

7. Playa del Carmen

Best place for beach-meets-city vibes

Playa del Carmen is the best of both worlds: a thriving city with a bounty of enticing restaurants and pinch-me-please white sand beaches (one is even connected to a cenote). The palm-lined Quinta Avenida is the city's bustling artery with an eclectic mix of shops, lively street performances, and gourmand-pleasing international eateries.

In this versatile beach destination, families build sandcastles alongside digital nomads and solo travelers seeking spirited adventures, while night owls congregate around Calle 12 (12th St) for throbbing nights at Mandala, La Vaquita and Coco Bongo. Another Playa del Carmen accolade is the variety of rooftop bars, from the sleek UMI Rooftop and Tokyo Kitchen to the laid-back BeRoof .

From Playa (as locals call it), day trips to Riviera Maya towns like Akumal (known for turtle encounters) are all within easy reach using colectivos (minivans). There is also a direct ferry to Cozumel with Winjet or Ultramar .

8. Chichén Itzá

Best place to see pre-Columbian architecture

If you’ve always wanted to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is one of the best places to go in Mexico. With origins dating back to the 5th century, this is undoubtedly the most popular of Mexico's ancient sights.

From the imposing, monolithic El Castillo pyramid (where the shadow of the plumed serpent god Kukulcán creeps down the staircase during the spring and autumn equinoxes) to the Sacred Cenote and curiously designed El Caracol observatory, Chichén Itzá is spectacular.

Planning tip : Book a Chichén Itzá tour with an English-speaking guide to learn about the mind-blowing legacy of Maya astronomers . Note that the heat, humidity and crowds in Chichén Itzá can be fierce, so try to explore the site either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, though keep in mind that the 5pm closing is a hard exit. There is also a post-sunset sound-and-light show .

9. Zihuatanejo

Best place for an Old-Mexico feel

Zihuatanejo benefited from the fortunes of neighboring resort town Ixtapa, which Mexico’s tourism body carefully developed in the 1970s. This was a direct attempt to replicate the Caribbean splendor of Cancún on the Pacific coast.

Ixtapa’s hotspot status trickled 6.5km (4 miles) south to Zihuatanejo, which feels like a sleepy fishing village elevated by a handful of relaxed seaside sanctuaries like Thompson Zihuatanejo on Playa La Ropa .

In this blissed-out traditional Guerrero town, there are storied, curiously named beaches that are great for surfing, diving, fishing and seafood-feasting in the presence of crashing waves.

Take a walk on Playa Las Gatas (Cat Beach), reportedly named after land wildcats or the whiskered nurse sharks in Zihua’s waters, or make a dash for the aforementioned Playa La Ropa (Clothes Beach), the town’s most popular beach, which incorporates a legend of a Spanish shore wreckage containing washed silk clothes.

Best place for quiet beaches

La Paz , the capital of Baja California Sur, has something for every kind of beach lover. The city is a delightful springboard to adventures on the Sea of Cortez, home to 39% of the world’s marine mammals.

Around 40 minutes from La Paz, Playa El Saltito feels tranquil and isolated during the sweltering days, and its crystal waters come alive with bioluminescence at night. Though competition is tough, Playa Balandra , with its unique mushroom-like rock formation, is heralded as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.

The impossible-to-miss destination in the region is the Unesco-listed Espíritu Santo  island, where you can camp under a canopy of stunning stars, snorkel with playful sea lions and even peek at congresses of clumsy blue-footed boobies. A number of operators run activities here, including kayaking and snorkeling.

Best place for wellness and boho vibes

Over the years, Tulum shed its former name (Zama), and its position as a secluded and sleepy beach-meets-jungle town in Riviera Maya and subsequently ripened into a world-famous pilgrimage for honeymooners, hedonists and holistic tourists. The spirituality-focused traveler will find a host of things to do in Tulum ranging from cacao ceremonies to pre-Hispanic sound healing and open-air rooftop yoga classes.

Tulum is a well-rounded destination with scrumptious restaurants and bars, and accommodations for all budgets, from waterfront shacks to top-end resorts and thatch-roofed boutique boltholes like La Valise Tulum .

The beaches are postcard-ready, the most celebrated stretch being Playa Ruinas with its strikingly well-preserved Maya ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. There are also numerous attractions in the surrounding area, such as the massive Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an , the secluded fishing village Punta Allen and the ruins of Cobá .

Planning tip : Tulum Pueblo (the town center) is where the really cheap eats and sleeps are found, but it’s a 20-minute bike ride or 12-minute taxi to the beach. Plan ahead to find well-priced beach accommodations if that’s where you’d prefer to stay.

12. Los Cabos

Best place for glitz, glamor and parties

Sister cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo need no introduction. The former is notorious among party-hearty North American crowds, while the latter is more sedate with art galleries, celebrity-frequented luxury resorts, upscale boutiques and over-the-top decadent tequila tasting rooms.

Together, these perennially sunny spots on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula have become two of the top places to see in Mexico.

Under the blazing Cabo sun, golfers chase their dreams on emerald greens designed by legendary champion Jack Nicklaus, and surfers tackle world-class surf breaks.

Not many beaches are safe for swimming, but other outdoor pursuits like deep-sea fishing, spotting sea lions and whale watching (from mid-December to mid-April) keep water babies coming back.

13. Pico de Orizaba

Best place for a superlative trek

Pico de Orizaba is a symmetrical, snow-capped volcano on the border of Puebla and Veracruz states. Also called Citlaltépetl, it’s the highest peak in Mexico and the third-highest mountain in North America, with a summit elevation of around 5636m (18,491ft) above sea level.

Dormant but not extinct, the last recorded eruption was in 1846, and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico for serious climbers – professionals prep there before taking on Mount Everest. Treks start from the small village of Tlachichuca, and the ascent requires some technical skills – Pico de Orizaba is the ultimate trekking and climbing challenge in Mexico.

If sea-level thrills are more to your liking, there's plenty on offer in the town of Orizaba, including a beautiful riverside walk, a couple of impressive museums and galleries and a unique "Iron Palace. " The perfect introduction to Veracruz state's most appealing town is to hop into the cable car up to the park atop 1240m (4068ft) Cerro del Borrego.

From this lofty, green perch, you can admire the domes and bell towers of the city's many historic churches and the surrounding mountainous terrain, including the snowcapped summit of Pico de Orizaba.

14. Copper Canyon Railway

Best train ride

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico (Copper Canyon Railway) remains one of Latin America’s best rail trips. Also known as the Chepe Express (from the “Ch” of Chihuahua and “P” of Pacífico), trains climb from sea level at Los Mochis to the town of Creel via the sensational rocky landscapes of the rust-hued Copper Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of Mexico”).

Vistas from your window during the train journey include alpine forests, subtropical valleys, Tarahumara villages and glimpses of some of the world’s deepest canyons.

Overnight en route at cinematic lodges overlooking the canyon's edge, or stay for days of exploring, hiking, horseback riding and even zip-lining in one of the best places to see in Mexico.

15. Oaxaca City

Best place for mezcal and cultural celebrations

Once the capital of the Zapotec Civilization, the state of Oaxaca is now better known as Mexico’s primary mezcal-producing region. Fine mezcals distilled around the state make their way to low-lit, atmospheric establishments in Oaxaca City like La Popular, El Destilado and La Mezcalerita, and savvy locals guide thirsty patrons on popular tours to experience the city one smoky sip at a time (check out Mezcouting and Oaxacking ).

The frequent colorful fiestas in Oaxaca City also win smiles from cultural travelers. The city’s population swells at the start of November during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities, when Mexican families honor and celebrate their lost loves with round-the-clock vigils, joyful offerings, and parades.

One of the most unique things to see in Oaxaca City is the merrymaking during Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23. During this competition dating back to 1897, the young and old carve radishes into scenes that are displayed in Zócalo to much fanfare.

Planning tip : Venture two hours outside of Oaxaca City to reach Hierve el Agua , a jaw-dropping petrified waterfall-like formation. You can take a bus, rent a car or hire a driver to take you to these mineral-rich infinity pools.

This article was first published Jun 24, 2021 and updated Oct 9, 2023.

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6 Must-See Cheap Beaches in Mexico And Where to Stay on a Budget

When it comes to rest and relaxation, beach destinations are among the most popular getaways. But when thinking of a beachfront vacation in Mexico, the word “expensive” often comes to mind. We beg to differ: this need not be the case! Enjoying Mexico’s natural beauty doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. There are plenty of options to enjoy a few incredible days on some of the most luscious white sand at these affordable beaches across the country.

*This selection of accommodations was made in 2021 based on trivago data showing the average accommodation price for a double room, though these rates may vary throughout the years.

1. Puerto Escondido: Let Yourself be Pampered at Hotel Suites Villasol

Ideal for travelers who work remotely and are looking to stay for a while, the modern Hotel Suites Villasol offers an exceptional internet connection. Visitors can work or rest from cozy apartments equipped with kitchens , in one of two pools or surrounded by wonderful beach club sea views—just a brisk 5 minutes away on foot or via free shuttle service. With whales swimming nearby plus excellent food and drinks, what better office can you ask for?

This hotel’s rooms are very comfortable and colorful. They have free Wi- Fi, air conditioning and TV. For your convenience, they also offer two restaurants on-site: Pez Gallo and Bugambilias, both featuring Pacific Mexican cuisine. Otherwise, within a 10-minute drive, you can find a wide variety of dining options in the city center.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Puerto Escondido

2. majahual: las cabañas del doctor, the perfect place to camp on the beach.

Located right on the beach and only 15 minutes south of the town center, Las Cabañas del Doctor (the Doctor’s Cabins) offers cabins in a camping area for up to six people. This is an excellent option for travelers looking for an experience in nature without lots of luxuries, but with all of the creature comforts.

All rooms feature air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, while the camping area offers spotless bathrooms. The spacious cabins also feature spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and are encircled by beautiful gardens.

Guests can relax surrounded by palm trees in hammocks found in the common areas — an ideal option for disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Majahual

3. barra de navidad: stay at hidden gem casa misifus villas & spa.

Speaking of cheap beaches in Mexico: if you’re looking for a pleasant, quiet and inexpensive vacation, nothing beats Casa Misifus Villas & Spa . This magnificent villa, located just 100 meters from the beach, has five fully equipped rooms, plus complimentary breakfast and a spa at very affordable prices.

To cool off from the heat, take a dip in the pool surrounded by a garden. Better still, this stay is located just a five minute walk from the city center and about 15 minutes from the boardwalk.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Barra de Navidad

4. zihuatanejo: the best pacific ocean views at hotel irma.

Perched atop a cliff, Hotel Irma offers stunning views of Zihuatanejo Bay. In fact, it is one of the oldest and most respected places in the city, and the perfect spot for a family trip.

This hotel offers two room categories – we suggest one with an ocean view on the fifth or sixth floor. There is no elevator, but the view will make every drop of sweat worth it.

The location is ideal: about a five minute walk from Playa La Madera and less than 10 minutes by car from the city center. For your comfort, this stay has two pools—both with incredible sea views— along with a bar, a spa, and a restaurant serving typical Mexican cuisine.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Zihuatanejo

5. isla de holbox: disconnect from the world at la puerta azul.

If you are looking for a place that’s close to nature and away from the hustle and bustle, La Puerta Azul Beachfront is the perfect fit. This luxurious and modern boutique hotel has 14 rooms, suites and villas – all with private terraces. It is an adults-only hotel , making it a great place to go as a couple or with friends.

This accommodation is located in the middle of the jungle inside an incredible ecosystem. The beaches are very calm and the guest pool is refreshing. Trips to the city center along the beach take about 15 minutes on foot and are spectacular.

At Azulbleu (the exclusive restaurant run by Chef Federico López), the shrimp tacos, lobster pizza, and fish ceviche are some of the best you’ll find on the island. There is also a large amount of flora and fauna inhabiting its surroundings. Don’t be surprised if you come across colorful birds, iguanas, and starfish!

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Isla Holbox

6. riviera nayarit-vallarta: recharge at riu jalisco.

If you are looking for cheap beaches in Mexico to vacation with your family, the Riu Jalisco hotel will surely exceed your expectations. This all-inclusive resort is located in front of the beautiful Bay of Banderas. In addition to having direct access to the beach, there is also a private stretch of sand for hotel guests only.

Mexican, Italian and Asian cuisine, as well as a steakhouse on the beach are among the gastronomic experiences on offer. To quench your thirst, the bar is open 24 hours a day. You can choose from one of its two pools or hot tubs and if you want to relax or exercise, there’s a gym and spa. For entertainment, there are plenty of adult and children programs to keep everyone amused. Clearly, boredom is non-existent at this five-star hotel.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Nuevo Vallarta

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Before You Go

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
• December through February: 82° to 82° (Winter)
• March through May: 83° to 88° (Spring)
• June through August: 90° to 91° (Summer)
• September through November: 90° to 85° (Autumn)

Sargassum/Seaweed Advisory

Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed that is especially prolific in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. While beneficial to ocean life, these large free-floating seaweed mats often wash up on beaches. The amount of seaweed on the beaches fluctuates based on the time of year and ocean currents. While resorts do their best to maintain the beaches for their guests, you may experience some inconvenience during your stay.

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Mexico is renowned for its diverse and striking geographic landscapes, making it an ideal destination for an all-inclusive vacation. From the stunning beaches along the Caribbean coast to the vibrant entertainment and dining scenes in bustling cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, there is something for everyone. Relax on the pristine white sands, immerse yourself in the lively music and dance culture, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the friendly locals. Whether you're looking for a fun-filled bar hopping adventure, a family-friendly getaway, or a shopping spree in colorful markets, Mexico has it all.

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Top reasons for your vacation to Mexico

• Diverse and Striking Landscapes : Mexico offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from stunning Caribbean coast beaches to bustling cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
• Vibrant Entertainment and Dining Scenes : Immerse yourself in lively music, dance culture, and delicious dining experiences in Mexico's bustling cities.
• Warm Hospitality of Friendly Locals : Experience the warm hospitality of the friendly locals as you relax on pristine white sands and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Mexico.
• Family-Friendly Getaways : Mexico is perfect for a family-friendly vacation, with options for both fun-filled adventures and relaxing beach experiences.
• Colorful Markets and Shopping : Explore the local shopping scene in Mexico's colorful markets and find unique souvenirs to take home, adding to your memorable vacation experience.

Book a Package and Save Money on Your Mexico Vacation

A travel package allows you to conveniently book your flights and accommodations together. Instead of searching for separate deals, you can find everything you need in one place. Flights, hotels, and car rentals — we’ve got them all. Select a combination that best fits you and it can even help you save money. Customize your package to suit your preferences and budget. With Expedia's price and theme filters, you can find a great deal for you.

Booking an all-inclusive package vacation in Mexico is the perfect idea for a tourist from the United States. With beautiful beaches, entertaining activities, delicious dining options, and a vibrant nightlife scene with live music and dancing, you can relax and enjoy your vacation. Mexico is known for its friendly people, bars, family-friendly attractions, and great shopping opportunities.

How to Save Money on a Vacation to Mexico

• Take public transportation like buses or metro instead of taxis to save money on local transport in Mexico.
• Opt for free or low-cost activities such as exploring local markets, visiting public parks, and enjoying street performances.
• Take advantage of Expedia's OneKey program to earn points and discounts on your all-inclusive vacation package to Mexico.
• Consider booking activities and sightseeing tours directly with local operators instead of through the hotel to get better deals.
• Explore nearby attractions on foot or rent a bike to save money on transportation while sightseeing.

Where to Stay in Mexico

When it comes to all-inclusive vacations in Mexico, there are a variety of exciting areas to explore. Cancun offers beautiful beaches, lively entertainment, and vibrant nightlife. Playa del Carmen is known for its relaxing atmosphere, vibrant shopping scene, and delicious dining options. Puerto Vallarta is a great choice for live music, dancing, and friendly locals. Enjoy family-friendly fun and stunning beaches in Cabo San Lucas. Choose Mexico for an unforgettable all-inclusive vacation experience.

• Mexico City : Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Mexico with a visit to its museums, cathedrals, and iconic monuments. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and indulge in the delicious cuisine at local cafes.
• Guadalajara : Dance to the rhythm of live music, explore the stunning architecture, and shop till you drop in this lively city. Visit its magnificent cathedrals and museums to discover the essence of Mexican culture, and enjoy the entertainment and dining options that abound in this captivating destination.
• Mérida : Delve into the past by exploring ancient ruins and fascinating museums. Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of this historical city, where entertainment and lively music fill the streets. Indulge in the local cuisine and soak in the beauty of the cathedral and shopping opportunities.

Explore the best places to visit in Mexico

Mexico offers a vibrant atmosphere for an all-inclusive package vacation. Relax on stunning beaches and enjoy entertainment options like live music and dancing. Indulge in delicious dining experiences and friendly service. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly getaway or a lively bar scene, Mexico has it all. Don't forget to explore the local shopping scene, where you can find unique souvenirs to take home. Get ready for a memorable vacation in Mexico!

• Xcaret Eco Theme Park : Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at this eco theme park in Playa del Carmen. Relax on pristine beaches, go on exciting excursions, explore the vibrant sea life while diving or snorkeling, and indulge in delicious dining options. Experience the thrill of boating and discover the friendliness of the local people. Enjoy romantic moments and unwind at the bar. Xcaret Eco Theme Park offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Z√≥calo : Discover the rich cultural heritage of Mexico City at Z√≥calo. Visit museums showcasing art and architecture, admire the stunning cathedral, and explore the historical sites. Immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping scene and experience the local culture. Z√≥calo is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into the urban charm of Mexico City.
• Cruise Ship Terminal : Indulge in the tropical paradise of Puerto Vallarta at the Cruise Ship Terminal. Enjoy the sunsets on beautiful beaches, explore the marina, and savor delicious dining options. Embark on exciting excursions and experience the thrill of sailing or boating. Engage with the friendly people and soak up the tropical vibes of Puerto Vallarta.

Best months to visit Mexico

Mexico boasts a year-around average temperature of 78.4°F, peaking at 81.5°F in August, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 75.0°F in December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 95.4mm annually, with September, October seeing the heaviest showers and April being the driest month.

FAQ for an all-inclusive Mexico vacation

Where are some of the best vacation spots in mexico for all-inclusive packages.

When it comes to vacation spots in Mexico for all-inclusive packages, you'll have quite a few places to choose from. You can visit the east coast around Yucatan and Cancun for pristine beaches, but the western coast and destinations like Puerto Vallarta have plenty to offer as well. It's all a matter of the particular kind of Mexico vacation experience you're looking for.

How much is an all-inclusive Mexico vacation?

The exact price for an all-inclusive Mexico vacation will vary. You can find some packages as low as $739. No matter where you book within the spectrum, however, you'll still be able to find both stunning deals and unforgettable experiences.

Can I book cheap all-inclusive Mexico vacations?

You'll find quite a few cheap all-inclusive Mexico vacations to enjoy when traveling on a budget. With prices as low as $739 available, you won't have to look far to travel without breaking the bank. Plus, these packages will leave you with more money in your budget to enjoy local attractions rather than putting it all into accommodations and flights.

Are there all-inclusive, adults-only vacation packages?

You can enjoy your choice of several all-inclusive, adults-only vacation packages when you visit Mexico. With an adults-only requirement in your hotel or resort, it's easy to indulge in a laid-back and relaxing environment that's perfect for couples or solo travelers simply looking to get away from the busyness of daily life in 2024.

What's offered in all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Mexico?

When you choose all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Mexico , you can enjoy a pristine beachfront experience designed to be as thrilling or as relaxing as you like. This popular destination tends to be quite refined and luxurious, with local packages offering high-end amenities and convenient access to the surrounding breathtaking natural features.

What are Cozumel all-inclusive vacation packages like?

Cozumel all-inclusive vacation packages make it easier than ever for you to explore this stunning island located a few miles out from the coast of Riviera Maya . All-inclusive packages let you relax among pristine natural surroundings with all the food, lodging, and activities you need, and some even put you just a short walk away from historical ruins.

What are some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico for families?

You won't have to look far to find all-inclusive resorts in Mexico for families. The Riu Palace Peninsula features an outdoor pool along with a playground, kids club, and babysitting services. Additionally, you can try the Iberostar Selection Cancun , which features a kids pool, a kids club, and an entire waterpark for the little ones to enjoy.

Why book Expedia all-inclusive vacations?

When you book Expedia all-inclusive vacations, you'll find both stunning deals and high-end, quality experiences. When booking your hotel and your flight jointly in a convenient package, you can save money without having to sacrifice the top-level amenities you love. Plus, it's easy to narrow down your search results using filters to sort by size, price, star rating, and certain amenities.

Top All inclusive Mexico Hotels

• 1 hour drive from Xcaret Eco Theme Park

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2024

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

• 51 min drive from Xcaret Eco Theme Park

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Top all inclusive vacation destinations.

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Cancun Vacation Packages & All-Inclusive Resorts

Featured resorts in cancun.

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Dive into cancun.

You've got Cancun all-inclusive resorts, sugar-white beaches, cool historical sites, rockin' adventures, Hotel Zone party spots, breathtaking resorts, gourmet dining, killer bars and of course, much more. There's every kind of excursion you can imagine: zip lining, ATV rides, dolphin encounters, along with every kind of water sport on the planet. Then there are the land activities like tennis, biking, hiking, plus all the yoga, pilates and fitness classes you can handle, not to mention world-class golf with fabulous views. Easily get to your resort from the Cancun Airport by adding on a transfer to and from your Cancun resort. And the food and drink at a Cancun resort? It's an exciting blend of Mexican and European flavors: you can nosh on street tacos or do the whole gourmet thing with white tablecloths. No matter where you land, Cancun vacation packages has oceans of things to enjoy.

Cancun Overview

Mayan Ruins

Natural Caves & Cenotes

Island Time: Cozumel

Way Above Par: Golfing in Cancun

Cancun Quick Facts

Things to do in cancun.

ATV Zip Line (Double)

• ATV rental fees, including taxes
• Professional English-speaking tour guides
• Helmet and goggles for driver and passenger
• Round-trip transportation
• Park entrance fees
• All equipment for ziplining and snorkeling activities
• Beverages and buffet lunch (grilled chicken, rice, beans, and salsas)
• Medical insurance
• Bring extra money for souvenirs and tips (at your discretion)
• Bring closed, comfortable shoes, avoid flip-flops or sandals
• Biodegradable insect repellent & sunscreen
• Bathing suit

Chichen Itza Deluxe

• Continental breakfast
• Buffet lunch (drinks not included)
• Entrance fee to the archaeological site
• Bilingual tour guide
• Round-trip transportation to/from hotel or meeting point
• Visit to the Ik'Kil sinkhole
• If you want to bring a camera for the Chichen Itza archeological site, you must pay $4 USD
• Comfortable footwear to walk in the jungle
• Extra T-shirt
• Cash for tips, pictures and souvenirs

Coba Maya Encounter

• English speaking guides
• Round trip, air-conditioned transportation
• Entrance fees & qualified archaeological guide in Coba
• All equipment required for activities: life vest, helmets, kayak, zip lining gear
• Traditional Mayan-style lunch & drinks
• Alcoholic drinks
• Swimming gear
• Extra cash (for tips, pictures and souvenirs)

Dolphin Encounter

• Round-trip transportation from Cancun to Isla Mujeres; guests must make their own way to Marina Aquatours in Cancun's Hotel Zone
• 10 minutes of briefing
• 40 minutes in the water at the beach club (lockers, shower, swimming pool, lounge chairs)
• Lunch buffet and open bar
• Transport from hotel is not included- $23 USD per person (to be paid in destination)
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Money for souvenirs

Insane Jungle Adventures

• Tarzania Coaster Monster
• Bungee Swing
• Skywalk Canopy Tour
• Polaris RZR
• Swim in the cenote
• Light lunch and drinks

Jolly Rogers

• Domestic open bar
• Dinner according to set menu
• Transport from hotel is not included- $25 USD per person (must be paid in destination) 

Jungle & Lagoon Tour

• English speaking tour guide
• Snorkeling gear
• Bottled water
• Round-trip transportation to meeting point, $5 USD
• Federal reef tax
• Comfortable shoes
• Biodegradable sun screen
• Underwater camera

Luxury Sailing and Isla Mujeres

• Professional crew
• Snorkel gear
• Lunch open bar (domestic drinks)
• Dock fee 
• Transport from hotel - $20 USD per person (must be paid in destination)

Luxury Sunset Sailing

• Round-trip transportation with A/C
• Light snacks & open bar with domestic drinks
• A hat or cap
• Extra money for tips (at your discretion)

Royal Garrafon VIP

• Round trip, air conditioned transportation
• Breakfast on board
• Entrance fees
• Activities at Garrafon Park
• Snorkel equipment
• Lunch buffet & drinks
• Transport from hotel - $20 USD per person (paid in destination)

Snorkeling Adventure

• Snorkeling equipment
• Guided tour of two reefs, three visits (shallow and deep), 45 minutes each
• Lunch buffet
• Open bar (bottled water, soft drinks, cold beer, rum and tequila)
• Comfortable clothing & footwear
• Biodegradable sunblock
• Change of clothes
• Money for reef fee & souvenirs

Supreme Delphinus Experience

• 50-minute dolphin show
• Bathrooms & showers
• Money for snacks, tips & souvenirs

Tulum Half Day Tour

• Certified guide
• Entrance to Tulum archaeological site
• Bring a towel

Tulum Yalku Plus

• Air-conditioned, land transportation
• Professional eco guide
• Entrance to the archaeological sites of Tulum, Yalku and the cenote
• Snacks on board the vans (bottled water, fruit and crackers)
• Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins), life jacket (mandatory)
• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• Mosquito repellent
• Money for lunch, snacks, tips & souvenirs

Xcaret Plus

• Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation
• Admission to the park
• Xcaret at night show 
• Scuba equipment
• Transfer to the meeting point

Xel-Ha All Inclusive

• Access to the Xel-Ha park
• Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation to and from hotel
• Food and national beverages from the restaurants and bars within the park
• Lockers and towels
• Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent
• A camera (preferably water resistant)
• Extra money for souvenirs

• Entrance fee
• Zip-line gear
• Amphibious vehicles
• USB memory with pictures that will be taken at all attractions

Tips & Transportation

Isla Enchanting: Isla Mujeres

Five-Star Foodie Fun: Fantino at the Ritz-Carlton

Take the Plunge: Underwater Museum

Boogie Nights: Mambo Café

Mayan Magic: The Ruins at Coba

Immigration & Customs

Getting to Your Cancun Resort

Getting Around Cancun

Get more with amstar dmc.

Shared & Private Transfers

With a variety of transfer options, Amstar provides transportation to and from the airport and your resort. Look for the professional Amstar staff in the blue-flowered shirt upon your arrival.

Enhance your vacation with an Amstar excursion, guided by local experts. These breathtaking experiences include coral reef diving, trail hiking adventures, luxury catamaran cruises and more. Enjoy memorable travel moments, all stress-free.

In-Destination Support

Amstar’s expert customer support team is available to you 24/7. You’ll be provided with meet-and-greet services at the airport, destination information in your resort and round-the-clock support by phone, email or social media.

Read MORE on Stories by CheapCaribbean

Vacation Like a True Beach Lover

Cancun vacation faq, top destinations in mexico.

Find cheap flights to Mexico from $71

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to mexico departing on 5/13. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to mexico.

Save 22% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

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Best Mexico Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking mexico flights, are there nonstop flights to mexico from the us.

Yes, most flights from the United States to Mexico are nonstop flights. You can book nonstop flights to Mexico from major United States airports in New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX). Nonstop flights from these airports head to Cancun International Airport and Guadalajara International Airport. The quickest nonstop flights to Mexico are from Los Angeles, taking about 3h to GDL, and around 4h 30min to CUN.

Do airports in Mexico offer accessibility services?

If you have special needs, flying into Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is suitable. The airport elevators, escalators, and electric ramps allow for accessibility of facilities by persons with reduced mobility. The washrooms in the airport are furnished and accessorized exclusively for persons with special needs and those attending to babies. The Terminal 1 and 2 access gates provide braille signaling to the visually impaired.

Which airport is closest to Chichen Itza?

The closest international airport to Chichen Itza is Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport (MID). It is about 82 miles from Chichen Itza and receives several flights from the United States. All flights to MID include at least one transfer en route. The transfer occurs at Mexico City (MEX), Miami (MIA), or Houston (IAH). The bus is the only public transportation available from MID to Chichen Itza.

Which airport in Mexico is well-connected to public transportation?

Mexico City Airport is the airport in Mexico that is connected to various public transport. You can take the bus, car rentals, hotel shuttles, metro subway, and taxi service. The airport has two 24-hour operational bus terminals. The airport connects to Mexico City via Metrobus line 4. The 12-line metro network covers a more significant part of the city. You can take the metro at the Terminal Aérea Station, just walking from the airport’s terminal. You can pay for the metro transit via a metro smart card. If you prefer a cab, you can take one from the companies serving the airport. The legal taxi companies operating at the airport include Sitio 300, Porto Taxi, Nueva Imagen, Confort and Yellow Cab, and Excelencia. You can also rent a car from the on-site car rental agencies on the lower level of Terminals 1 and 2.

Is there public transportation to the city center from popular airports in Mexico?

Cancun International Airport (CUN) and Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) are the popular airports in Mexico receiving international flights. CUN is roughly nine miles south of the Cancun city center, and buses are the only mode of public transport to the city center. Buses are also the only mode of travel to the Guadalajara city center from GDL, located 13 miles southeast of the city center.

Does Cancun International Airport offer any luggage service?

If you are traveling to Mexico with luggage and would like to store them as you run some errands, Cancun Airport has storage lockers that you can use to keep your bags. The storage is for large bags only. You can store your bags at a daily fee. The storage lockers are in the main terminal. You can also wrap your luggage with plastic to protect them from damage or theft during transit. The luggage wrapping services are available in all three terminals.

Which cities do Mexican airports serve?

CUN and GDL serve many cities within Mexico as they receive most of the international flights to Mexico. The primary international airport is Cancun International Airport, which serves Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Leona Vicario. GDL mainly serves Guadalajara, El Quince, San Jose del Castillo, and El Verde. Buses are the most popular and affordable mode of transit from CUN and GDL to the cities they serve.

Which airline flying to Mexico from the US allows pets onboard?

When traveling to Mexico with your pet, you can only bring up to two pets past the airports. However, the airlines that fly into Mexico only allow passengers to have one pet per person onboard. Aeromexico airlines welcome both small dogs and cats in the cabin. The pet must be inside a carrier and weigh about 20 lbs. There is a fee for pet transit which increases during high travel seasons. If your pet is traveling as checked baggage, the pet plus its carrier must be 99 lbs or less.

How long is the flight to Mexico?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Mexico takes 4h 13m, covering a distance of 1415 miles. The most popular route is Newark - Cancún with an average flight time of 4h 00m.

What is the cheapest flight to Mexico?

The cheapest ticket to Mexico from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $49 one-way, and $165 round-trip. The most popular route is Newark to Cancun and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $247.

Which airlines fly to Mexico?

American Airlines, Aeromexico & Delta fly the most frequently from the United States to Mexico.

What are the most popular destinations in Mexico?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Cancún (51% of total searches to Mexico). The next most popular destinations are Mexico City (16%) and Cozumel (11%). Searches for flights to San José del Cabo (7%), to Puerto Vallarta (5%) and to Guadalajara (3%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Mexico

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Mexico flight deals.
• US citizens should fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Mexico for convenient proximity to Mexico’s capital. CUN is the closest airport to the Cancun city center, located nine miles away. Moreover, CUN has many services like duty-free shops, restaurants, parking spaces, and waiting lounges.
• The United Mexican States, a common tourist destination, has many major international airports. The largest airport in the country, however, is the Mexico City Airport (MEX), also known as Benito Juarez Airport, serving Mexico City and the metropolitan area.
• If you want quick flights to Mexico from the west coast, book your flight out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Flights from LAX to GDL take around 3h while those from San Francisco (SFO) take around 4h. Flights to CUN from LAX take around 4h 30min, while those from SFO take approximately 5h 20min.
• Mexico City Airport is a hub for various airlines operating from and to Mexico, including Aeroméxico with Aeroméxico Connect, Mas Air, AeroUnion, and Aeromar. Aeroméxico is the largest airline in the country, operating several destinations in the US, including South, North, and Central America.
• If you will require currency exchange services after your flight lands in Mexico, Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) and Cancun International Airport (CUN) have several currency exchange centers onsite. The currency exchange services are available for multiple currencies.
• If you are flying into Mexico from any US airport, you can fly American Airlines as the country is the airline’s largest international destination.
• CUN has Cancun Accessible services for travelers to CUN who have a disability. You will receive wheelchair assistance and any other special care once your flight lands at CUN and GDL.
• Flying into Mexico from the US, however, you might consider landing at Cancun International Airport (CUN) as it is the country receiving many arrivals from the United States.
• It's not a requirement for US citizens traveling to Mexico for less than 180 days to show a visa. You only need to have a valid passport to gain entry to Mexico for a stay of less than 180 days. Your passport needs to have one blank page and be valid at the time of entry.
• If you want to spend less time and money on your flight to Mexico from the US, consider flying into Nogales International Airport (NOG), which is closest to the US border.

Top 5 airlines flying to Mexico

Big plane, long flight, absolutely no leg room and basically non existent air! I am 5”4’ and always travel Main Cabin, I was miserable on this plane and could barely move when we arrived in Cabo due to the cramped leg area!

From Atlanta to Cabo I would have hoped on a plane that size I would have been able to breathe and wiggle my feet a little! The leg room in that plane is non existent and I am only 5”4’. And the air vent either wasn’t working very well or just could not blow air from the ceiling to the seat area as I was suffocating through the entire flight! And please don’t say I would have been more comfortable in first class because I cannot afford those rates and have always travelled Main Cabin without issues !

The pilots were good. Disappointing when planes don't have electrical ports

I liked the piloting of the aircraft. Very disappointed about lack of electrical ports. Also, although a short flight. there was enough time to hand out snacks to comfort + seats as was done for first class.

I had a wonderful experience flying with delta. The gentleman taking care of us on our flight was so nice, accommodating, and attentive. He always was smiling and giving pins to the kids which made me smile. The flight was quick too and without turbulence. Thank you for the great flying experience.

Delta is one of the best airlines I have flown

Made the Atlanta to Pittsburgh trip many times, with Delta no issues

I always fly with Delta. My friends tell me their horror stories of flying with other airlines. I just smile and say, “You should fly Delta”

I'm a larger, athletic guy (6'2", 260lbs powerlifter) and I found the seats incredibly uncomfortable with minimal leg room, especially in a window seat. Now, I full understand that being smaller may change my view but even if I was 80lbs less, my legs would be the same size and I was sandwiched between my seat and the seat in front of me.

Horrible. This was not first class. This was a connecting flight whi h was late. My original flight never came. I hated the fact that delta gave me a connecting flight from New York to Orlando Florida. No meals and the television screens were not working. There wasn't even any power to charge your phones. This is NOT FIRST CLASS DELTA!!! Do better next time!

Happy attentive flight crew. All in all good flight the night flight works well. Getting into Mexico City early so you don't get caught up it all the immigration and custom ques, additionally, this helps when exiting the airport and crossing the city to your final destination. All works very well and would do it again

Some entertainment and food/snack service would have been nice

All the pessengers should be wait in a line útil the creo and piloto are arrived.

Planes seat could be bigger very uncomfortable for tall humans.

Atraso de dos horas y media con vuelos sobre vendidos

Great airplane The confort was within the high standards. My only little problem was That all the movies ( only 3) was on Spanish, even though I was selecting the audio on English it didn't happen. After that I highly recommend aeromexico

1 hour waiting for suitcases to come out traveling in business class and food in business class is a sandwich? Avoid Aeromexico .

Aeromexico es siempre una buena opción, relación precio calidad adecuada!

No space reserved for anyone who didn’t have underseat in front of them. Made it inconvenient to get the backs secured. No inflight entertainment in the 190. Bring your own! Food was excellent and we were surprised to get a full breakfast.

Great! The plane was decently sized and comfortable. The staff was nice and there was great in flight entertainment

Food was terrible Not many options Stewards dont care Delay

Water service would be great. The way they board is terrible. Slow passengers first😂😂 They need to smart up a bit

Our original business class flight was cancelled so we not only downgraded but we were also spread out across the plane not sitting together in separate middle seats. My poor kids were scared and couldn’t see me on the flight and the crew wasn’t sensitive to the situation and what the airlines did to us. Very dissatisfied with United airlines.

Crew were fine, drinks and snacks were as well but we were delayed for around 2 hrs which made our entry into Mexico delayed as well with the influx of arrivals at the same time. Sort of wasted our first day of vacation. We left Pittsburgh at 630am and did not arrive in Mexico until late dinner time.

The ride was good but no food ot entertainment hence, it was just over an hour flight.

There was a group of school age passengers that were very loud and unruly with their chaperones were no where to be found.

Boarding was unorganized. They expected passengers to ask people to move their assigned seat they paid for in order to sit together. The seats even in comfort are smaller than other airlines and the flight attendants appeared not to be well prepared

The WiFi didn’t work and the seats are too close together. Very uncomfortable.

I was told we'd have a hot breakfast option in first class, so I chose not get a hot breakfast. It was a very strange meal, but the fresh fruit was very good quality. Service was excellent from ORD to ELP. No service from MBS to ORD, not even water. However, when flying American from FNT to ORD, which is a shorter flight, they at least pass out snacks and offer water.

LATE LATE LATE!!! Plagued by late AA flights on this trip. Such a drag. This one was by far the worst.

WiFi connected but only let you go to the AA website, not even text messaging worked.

Too bad that first class seats do not recline significantly causing discomfort

I think the seats on some of their planes are uncomfortable. You can be ok on a short flight of two hours but no more than that. The delays, and also the refreshments on the plane were not enough.

Flight delayed over an over all day until it cancelled at 1:30am. Would not repeatedly delay that late. Offer hotel rooms and rebook early. Very difficult for families with small children

Not sure why JAL partnered with American Airlines because their service is no where near similar. Flight attendants were not friendly and didn’t smile. Food was horrible…

this is starting to seem like an american airlines standard. delayed flights and fake apologies… getting tired of it

Terrible boarding , Business class seats are sub standard. As usual crew will miss your food too

Just get Economy Plus for international flights, so worth it the extra room, bigger seats…

This flight is frequently delayed. The connections seemingly are more frequently delayed. I’ve missed connections as a result twice on the same route to charlotte then Charleston. Final destination arrival has been the next day, twice in a row. No pilots, no crew. Too many excuses. Unfortunately, my days with American are over.

The WiFi tv wasn’t working. The flight was over sold and moved several times. The gate assignment appeared on the screens right as we were supposed to board. Because of the flight being over sold we were almost stuck in Cancun for a couple of a days. The flight attendants were unfriendly and would wake you up to pick up other people’s trash.

The reason we chose Volaris to fly from LAX to Mazatlan, Mexico was because of the DATES and TIMES for the NON-STOP flights. When those flights got Totally Changed that was UNACCEPTABLE ! ! ! Also, when my husband Died unexpectedly, the Only statement that Customer Service kept repeating was "they would only offer Credit on a future flight". REALLY?! Volaris was only going to offer CREDIT on another flight to a DEAD PERSON ! ! !

Service of the person who gave us the boarding pass

Overall good but we had a minor scare when a wind shear caused the plane to re take off on the first landing attempt. The crew handled it well and we landed safely on the second attempt

It was unfortunate that I paid more than $120 one way to carry on my luggage to only have to have them checked baggage. We board the flight and there’s a lot of overhead space. They checked our bags in Group 2 but Group 3 was able to board with their luggage. I would not fly Volaris again. The flight attendance on the plane was very nice but the employees at the gate prior to boarding was very rude.

For the price, you pretty much can't beat this airlines. As far as comfort, you could do a lot better, but it'll cost you. Over all cheapest way to get from point A to point B.

To many extra fees, poor customer service and very uncomfortable flight. No leg room and seat wont recline.

I am disabled and was unable to get any assistance from Volaris. I had to wait in line at front desk for 45 minutes, I am by myself, and unable to stand. When I got to front desk check in, they had no assistance for me. I did however, have wheelchair assistance when I arrived in Mexico City. Thank God for that!

It was horrible, our flight back was overbooked and had to take a flight 12hours later in the day but to LAX. Volaris is horrible.

necesitan mejorar el entretenimiento, en vuelos de mas de 3 horas

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These 10 Destinations Allow For Cheap Travel All Year-Round

• Tourists can find affordable travel destinations all year round by exploring places like the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Croatia, and Guatemala.
• These destinations offer a range of activities and attractions, from historic ruins to beautiful beaches, at budget-friendly prices.
• Other affordable destinations include Portugal, Belize, Morocco, Ecuador, Egypt, Peru, and the State of Mexico, offering historic sites, natural wonders, and cultural experiences for travelers on a tight budget.

World traveling for cheap is a balance of skills, common sense, insider knowledge, and good, old-fashioned luck. With times changing fast, it can be hard to strike a perfect balance. How can tourists know where to find an affordable travel destination during a time of great economic change? Luckily, there will always be places around the world where people can find great deals on flights, hotels, and food. But how can tourists discover where these places are?

Although cheap travel is often a game of discovering when a destination's off-season is, there are places around the world that are always affordable, even at the height of the tourist season. In this list, people will discover some of the top affordable destinations around the world that are not only cheap during the off-season but are cheap destinations all year round.

From the jungles of Central America to the mountainous Balkans, discover some of the most affordable global travel destinations that are budget-friendly year-round, no matter whether visiting in the peak tourist season or the low period.

Related: Budget Travelers: Here Are The Cheapest Countries Where You Don’t Have To Empty Your Pockets For A Great Time

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

For historic ruined cities, crystal blue water, and the abundance of rainforest, visitors on a budget should check out the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. This location is both fun and affordable for tourists, with lots of hiking, cultural activities, and delicious restaurants.

Seafood is especially affordable in this region, so visitors should be sure to try authentic Mexican-style ceviche or roasted octopus. Visitors should visit historic sites like Chichén Itzá and the Mayan ruins at Tulum. Sitting on the beach sipping a piña colada isn't a bad idea, either!

• Average flight cost from NYC: $250-400 to Cancun
• Budget hotel price per night: $19-150 per night

Cities like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun are all trying to be more environmentally conscious, so many beach locations do not allow oil-based sunscreen.

Not only is Croatia among the cheapest countries to visit year-round, but this Balkan country also offers visitors ancient ruins, waterfalls, and Mediterranean beaches. While traveling here, tourists will get all the perks of the Mediterranean without having to break the bank.

Walking around the streets of Zahgreb or Trogir, lined with sierra roofs, will make tourists forget all their worries. Visiting the ancient palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian (the first Roman emperor to retire) is a must in this region. Seeing the stacked waterfalls pouring into green water at Krka National Park will also be an unforgettable experience!

• Flight cost from NYC: $640-1000 to Zahgreb
• Budget hotel price per night: $31-100 per night

Once the center of the mighty Mayan city-state of Tikal, the modern country of Guatemala offers tourists unique gastronomy, rich history, and the wonders of the rainforest. Visitors here should head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tikal National Park to see the towering gray-stone ruins for themselves.

For mountain views and great swimming, visitors should head to Lake Atitlán, the deepest lake in Central America. Not only is this country beautiful, but it's widely considered to be one of the most economical places for tourists to go to, with costs often being half as much as those found in the US and Canada.

• Flight cost from NYC: $148-400 to Guatemala City
• Budget hotel price per night: $15-130 per night

One of the cheapest European destinations year-round is Portugal. This mountainous country on Europe's Atlantic coast is the perfect place to explore Medieval history, delicious seafood, and cobblestone streets.

From riding cable cars in the seaside city of Lisbon to seeing historic castles like São Jorge, Portugal offers tourists a truly unique travel experience. With great weather almost all year round, this destination really is the perfect budget location.

• Flight cost from NYC: $500-900 to Lisbon
• Budget hotel price per night: $26-141 per night

Related: This European City Was Just Named The Most Budget-Friendly Destination To Travel To

Belize is not only one of the world's most amazing places to travel to in general, but it is also one of the cheapest vacation destinations year-round!

The mangrove forests and coral reefs that this Caribbean nation has to offer are sights like no other. With so many different biomes to explore, tourists have an abundance of nature to explore, from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in the Belize Barrier Reef to the dense rainforests of Mayflower Bocawina National Park.

Not only that but the country is also known for the Ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich!

• Flight cost from NYC: $500-900 to Belize City
• Budget hotel price per night: $35-250 per night

See rich palaces, secret gardens, and bright blue architecture in the spectacular North African country of Morocco, one of the world's best vacation destinations that are cheap all year round.

In Marrakesh (called the heart of Morocco) alone, visitors can explore the 19th-century splendor of the Bahia Palace and the Renaissance wonder of the El Badi Palace ruins. The blue buildings of the Jardin Majorelle and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts are also hot spots for travelers, so visitors should be sure to put that on their Morocco bucket list.

One truly spectacular sight in Morocco is Le Jardin Secret, a Saadian Dynasty garden that was originally built in the 1600s but was rebuilt in the 19th century. This garden offers tourists a unique mix of North African plants with water features, providing a haven of peace amid the busy city of Marrakesh.

• Flight cost from NYC: $800-1200 to Marrakesh
• Hotel price per night: $5-152 per night

Tourists on a budget should take a trip to the glorious mountain country of Ecuador, the home of the famous thirteenth Sapa Inca, Atahualpa.

One of the most rewarding places in Ecuador that travelers should head to is Ingapirca, the pre-Columbian Incan ruins. Like many Incan sites, this ancient city features the remains of an impressive Temple of the Sun. Today, this once-sacred location is roamed by brown and black camelids, who graze upon the site's bright green expanses of grass.

Ecuador also has a wealth of national parks, including El Cajas National Park, which is the perfect location for tourists to see endangered animals, like the many vibrantly-colored species of hummingbirds that Ecuador is famous for. It also boasts the world-famous Galapagos Islands; however, this wildlife hotspot can be expensive and hard to visit, so travelers on a tight budget may want to skip it.

• Flight cost from NYC: $300-500 to Quito
• Budget hotel price per night: $9-124 per night

Related: Is Ecuador South America's Most Breathtaking Country? Why Many Think So

One of the oldest human-inhabited lands in the world is Egypt. This truly historic region is one that every traveler should see at least once in their lives. From the rich and fertile Nile River to the Siwa Oasis out in the desert, Egypt is truly one of the world's most beautiful places.

The cultural legacy of Ancient Pharaonic Egypt, which lasted over 3,000 years, is still present in the modern experience of traveling here. Of course, seeing the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids is a must, but other locations, like Luxor and Abu Simbel, will offer rich historical experiences.

All in all, there are many world-famous and incredible historic sites in Egypt with fascinating stories , many of them within the budgets of travelers with less cash to spend.

• Flight cost from NYC: $750-1000 to Cairo
• Budget hotel price per night: $6-150 per night

For those who are interested in Ancient Incan history, Peru is the place to go! Considered by historians to be one of only a select few cradles of civilization, Peru is a land of ancient ruins, abundant coastlines, and massive mountains.

The main historic tourist spot is, of course, Machu Picchu, but other sites like Saqsaywaman and Tambomachay give tourists other unique options. For travelers headed to the Nazca Desert in the south, the famed Nazca Lines are visible from an observation tower.

Some of Peru's natural wonders include the blue lake at Huascarán National Park, the massive cave at Cueva de Las Lechuzas, and the protected natural reserve at Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

• Flight cost from NYC: $400-650 to Lima
• Budget hotel price per night: $11-49 per night

Related: 10 Things To Do In Lima: Complete Guide To The Seaside Capital Of Peru

The State Of Mexico, Mexico

Once the seat of the famous Aztec Empire, the State of Mexico is one of the most affordable places in the world to travel to as a tourist. Visitors can explore the sprawling ancient ruins and pyramids of Teotihuacan, such as the Pyramid of the Sun (Teotihuacan's largest pyramid) and the Pyramid of the Moon, the other giant Teotihuacan pyramid . There's also the Museo Nacional de Antropología and the Chapultepec Castle to check out.

Even just walking around the streets and markets of Mexico City is a blast! Visitors should also try to go to the Frida Kahlo Museum to see some of the 20th century's best art. Some of the natural wonders of this region include the forests in the Desierto de los Leones National Park, the reforested El Tepeyac National Park, and the twin peaks of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.

• Flight cost from NYC: $350-500 to Mexico City
• Budget hotel price per night: $7-195

Related: Older Than Teotihuacan: Visit The Forgotten City Of Monte Albán & Its Ancient Pyramids Even if tourists are traveling on a budget, seeing historic archeological sites, visiting stunning gardens, and seeing incredible natural wonders are all within the realm of possibility. The world is full of exciting travel opportunities that are affordable on even the tightest of budgets. From South America to Europe, there are unique and affordable year-round destinations around the world for every traveler's taste.

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The Very Best Hotels in Mexico, From Cabo to Cancún

By Michaela Trimble

Over the last few years, a slew of new openings in  Mexico  has drawn attention away from Cancún's supersized resorts and toward boutique stays with a focus on local artisans, design, and sustainability. Now, some of the best hotels in Mexico are found beyond the typical tourist strips and in places like  Tulum , up-and-coming  Zihuatanejo , and flourishing Mexico City . For a getaway on the west coast, east coast, or somewhere in between, our editors have selected the best hotels in Mexico, ranging from beachside treehouses to minimalist boltholes.

How we choose the best hotels in Mexico

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury and properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We're always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.

A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Jump to hotels in:

• Baja California Peninsula
• Pacific Coast
• Mexico City
• More in central Mexico
• Yucatán Peninsula
• Southern Mexico

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Montage Los Cabos Arrow

Located on 39 quiet acres of beachfront between the overdeveloped hotel zones of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Montage looks out on the serene, divinely swimmable waters of Santa Maria Bay. As impressive is the fact that all of the 122 guest rooms, suites, and casas (not just top-tier rooms) have ocean views, expansive terraces with daybeds, dining areas, and outdoor showers—just the sort of breezy indoor/outdoor setup you want on a beach holiday. And in a town where things can go from place-defining to cliché quickly, Montage gets it right. Interiors have a Mexican 2.0 aesthetic that leans into local materials while executed in a sophisticated desert palette (lots of native wood, earth-toned woven throws and hanging tapestries, and creamy sandstone), and landscaping embraces native, drought-resistant plants like agave, flowering desert figs, and saguaros. The real treat, though, is to sit by the pool with a book and michelada, knowing that the Pacific is there waiting when you’re ready for your plunge. —Rebecca Misner

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas Arrow

Set right on the beach, against the backdrop of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, the Four Seasons is by far the area’s sleekest stay. Exclusivity is of course a draw—a handful of celebrities are rumored to have bought villas. But there’s also a strong outdoor-adventure pull, from snorkeling in nearby Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, where giant polka-dot whale sharks hunt for plankton, to quad-biking empty sand dunes. While there might not be the bars and restaurants to rival Los Cabos, they’re hardly missed. Toes-in-the-sand El Puesto is the spot for ceviche and margaritas; for a proper sit-down meal, an outpost of beloved Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos serves seafood suppers. All 141 rooms are designed to blend into the surrounding desertscape with sliding glass doors that lead to private terraces, as well as views of the Sea of Cortéz. And unlike on the rough, rocky Pacific side of Baja, the waters here are as tranquil as a lake. —Jen Murphy

One&Only Palmilla Arrow

Arriving at this spot on the very tip of the Baja Peninsula feels like coming home. Many of the staff are third-generation employees who remember not only your name but whether you prefer your margarita made with tequila or mezcal (and which brand), and where you like your yoga mat to be set up in your room. And those rooms. Whitewashed hacienda-style architecture brightened with hand-embroidered textiles, plus perks such as private butlers and, in the case of Villa Cortez, an exclusive fitness suite, spa room, and beach cabana reflect Cabo’s emergence as Latin America’s latest luxury hotspot. There is no shortage of glitzy new five-stars, but as the area’s first proper hotel, Palmilla has a serious advantage: real estate. Its secluded location on one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches is unbeatable. In the ’50s, Hollywood’s elite flocked here, and today a fresh generation of A-listers does the same. A commitment to discretion and timeless glamour in an age of social-media noise, as well as constant reinvention (new wellness offerings from spiritual healer Alicia Kanxoc), have allowed Baja’s big hitter to continue holding court. —Jen Murphy

Harrison Pierce

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Paradero Todos Santos Arrow

Though experience-based lodgings are old news in countries throughout South America and Africa, Paradero claims to be the first hotel brand to introduce the model to Mexico. Located on a previously unused 5.5-acre plot within a farming community in Baja California Sur’s Todos Santos, it’s become the mission of Mexico City –based founders Pablo Carmona and Joshua Kremer to preserve the over 160 acres of family-owned farms that surround the property. The resort, set in front of a palm tree oasis about 20 minutes from the beach, is made up of a series of brutalist-inspired structures designed by architects Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo. They took note of the landscape’s sunbaked hues and designed the property in golden shades to blend into the sandy natural surrounds. The buildings’ desert tones also allow the plants in the resort’s 100,000-square-foot botanical garden to pop: red sand verbena, Mojave yucca, and Shaw’s agave. Though the resort’s outdoor spa and half-moon shaped infinity pool make it hard to leave the grounds, it would be a shame to miss out on guided hikes through cactus fields to reach the deserted Las Palmas beach, taco tours of the best local spots in Todos Santos, or private surf lessons. The hotel has custom boards positioned in the open-air living room, an airy sanctuary where guests kick back and relax post-adventure in anticipation of seafood-centric meals prepared by chef Eduardo Ríos, an alum of Enrique Olvera’s Mexico City restaurant, Pujol .

Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Arrow

The high-stakes Cabo hotel scene has been particularly frenetic for the past few years, with fresh openings from big-name players like Four Seasons , Montage , and Viceroy . Amid the fray, Ritz-Carlton managed to seek out a 20-acre plot for its fourth reserve, overlooking the indigo Sea of Cortez and built partially on the sand dunes. Suites feel both comfortable and considered, with vast living rooms featuring blue-and-white textiles, objets d’art from local artisans (woven leather baskets, painted pottery), and terraces with firepits. But it’s the staff that truly make the place stand out: remembering favorite breakfast tables and knowing the right chaise lounge around the enormous L-shaped pool at which to drop off each swimmer’s margarita. In one of the world’s most elevated hotel towns, Ritz-Carlton shows that the bar can always be raised. —Stephanie Wu

Baja Club Hotel Arrow

With the opening of Baja Club Hotel along the esplanade of La Paz , the coastal town now has its first proper boutique hotel. Attracting the creative, artistic elite of Mexico City and beyond, the 32-room, Spanish colonial–style property serves as a base for further explorations in the Sea of Cortez, from swimming with the area’s seasonal visitors—whale sharks and blue whales—to boating trips to the biodiverse Espíritu Santo island. The rooms all have either a balcony, terrace, or private outdoor patio, with cream-and-coral striped banquettes as well as Grupo Habita’s classic minibar staple: a house bottle of mezcal for guests to enjoy.

Casona Sforza, Puerto Escondido

You’ll reach Casa Sforza after a windy drive down the dusty roads of Puerto Escondido’s quiet La Barra district. Pure secluded luxury is the order of the day here, allowing you to disconnect and unwind. Mexican architect Alberto Kalach designed this beachfront property with the intention of capturing and not distracting from the striking natural landscapes. The impressive design blends seamlessly into nature, using naturally colored materials and smooth-flowing shapes. The hotel is made up of a series of huge, airy connecting domes that seamlessly slot together to form the 11 suites, an oval-shaped pool, and a bar and restaurant. (Note: There's a strict no children or pets policy throughout.) Beach beds and straw umbrellas spill onto the sandy beach as do spiky cacti, tall palms, and flowering beach shrubs. Follow the wooden stepping stone path to the beach bed dressed in linen curtains or to the shaded hammocks to divide your time between the pool and the beach. Flop and enjoy uninterrupted ocean views; if you plan your visit during migratory months, you may even spot a whale in the distance.

Bedrooms are huge, built from dusty yellow brick that glows warm at golden hour. Ground-floor suites have a private swim-up pool, while second-floor rooms come with a view of the Pacific Ocean, best enjoyed while soaking up the glow of sunset from the huge woven hammock or a freestanding hot tub. The kitchen is run by a husband (who previously did a stint at Lyle's in London) and wife duo originally from Venezuela. — Sophie Knight

Casa To, Puerto Escondido

Little boutique hotel Casa To is made up of just nine bedrooms. But this is a property that's a step above the rest among the boho beach-bum hostels on this corner of the Pacific coast. The self-cooling brutalist design was the craftsmanship of architect Ludwig Godefroy. A jigsaw of circular concrete archways makes up the heart of the hotel, crawling with vines that align and frame the lobby's features. There's a well-stocked bar run by a casually cool barman in a paisley shirt, and cozy corners are filled with wicker seating and sun loungers. Wooden stools dotted with retro teal lamps and the odd photography book, statement vases, and plenty of palms decorate the incense-infused space. Then, of course, the hotel's iconic swimming pool , which runs through a series of concrete circular walls spanning the length of the hotel. Beautiful guests spend most of the day sipping mezcal and lounging in the sunlight that beams onto the pyramid of concrete puzzle steps that make up the back wall, conveniently dotted with pillows and candlelight come dusk. The bedrooms follow suit. Bifolding doors reveal a private garden sheltered by lush green palms. All furnishings, such as the colorful woven rug, the striped linen bedding, and heavy wooden crafted chairs, are local artisanal pieces bringing that home-from-home feel. Glou Glou, the rooftop bar and restaurant, is run by a trendy Argentinian couple who were invited to relocate to Puerto Escondido by the hotel owner after he fell in love with their cooking and hospitality back in Argentina . The highlight is an innovative, intimate, and delicious seven-course tasting menu cooked and prepared right in front of you. — Sophie Knight

Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico Arrow

This is not your parents’ Four Seasons. Formalities, like a front desk, have disappeared, and the traditional concierge has been replaced with guides who can help arrange everything from dinner reservations to surf lessons. The all-inclusive model means the entire stay is blissfully transaction-free, and the intimate scale—at just 30 guests, the size is also a shift for the brand—allows for unscripted experiences such as mezcal tastings with local distillers. And the tented suites are what it takes to persuade travelers to book a hotel in Punta Mita that isn’t right on the beach. Terraced into 48 acres of forested Pacific-facing cliffs, this adults-only luxury tented resort was designed by sustainably minded safari-tent pioneers Luxury Frontiers. Each of its 15 spacious rooms has an indoor soaking tub, an outdoor shower, and a private plunge pool with sunset views. Taking in and getting out into nature is at the heart of Naviva, but a visit to the two spa pods is a must for treatments informed by Mesoamerican traditions, like the five-hour Refuge Retreat. It includes a copal cleansing and Mayan mud massage, plus post-pampering time to soak in the pod’s oversized palm-shaded tub. Guests have access to the amenities at sister property Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita , just next door, but it’s doubtful you’ll want to leave this jungle oasis. —Jen Murphy

One&Only Mandarina Arrow

This glossy, globetrotting hotel group might pick up new destinations as if they were passport stamps, but each is uniquely rooted in place. Here, along the Riviera Nayarit on the wild Pacific coast, that means drawing deeply on Mexico’s magic, with considered references to the Indigenous Cora and Huichol people. Bedrooms, whether oversized treehouses or ocean-facing villas, are a celebration of local culture, from the traditional textiles and pottery to the robes by contemporary Mexico-based label Candor. The spa, set in a natural volcanic-rock garden, is based on ancient healing practices and offers treatments including temazcal sweat-lodge rituals. The hotel has also tapped the country’s top chef, Enrique Olvera—of Mexico City’s Pujol —for Carao, where feasts begin with fresh ceviche and end on homemade cinnamon buñuelos. Meanwhile Alma, an open-air, garden-to-plate spot helmed by French-Mexican Olivier Deboise, is centered around wood-fired, Pan-American-meets-Mediterranean dishes. It might be a step up from the surf hotels down the road, but one that still feels very much in step with Nayarit’s spirit. 

Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection Arrow

Everything about this property is seemingly curated to feel more like a boutique hotel than a resort. It’s normal to stumble upon things like a sound bath experience on the beach led by a local bohemian who infuses jazz with the singing bowls or a sombrero making class. The on-site boutique, a Fashionkind outpost co-owned by Nina Farran and Sophia Bush , includes leading designers from across Latin America, with a special focus on those local to Mexico. The design by Paul Duesing and Glazier Le Architects, sporting stone walls that continue from the balcony to the interior of the room with pebble-floored rain showers clad in colorful tiles almost entirely Mexican made and also supports local and regional makers, artisans, artists, and purveyors, solidifies the POV of being a boho-fresh, intentional, and barefoot sanctuary for those in-the-know. Don’t get me wrong, it still feels like a resort—just a resort that is focused on what is important to today’s customer. —Scott Bay

Four Seasons Tamarindo Arrow

Located in the relatively undeveloped western state of Jalisco, Tamarindo is intentionally secluded. From the moment you pass through its tucked-away gates and steal a far-away glimpse of the bright-blue Pacific through miles of lush jungle, it becomes clear just what a hidden treasure the resort is. The outdoor lobby acts as a central home base for the property, where contemporary seating invites you to leave your worries behind and ornate wooden beams frame sweeping views of the coastline below. To the right sits Tamarindo’s Discovery Center, where guests can learn about the wildlife and vegetation that surround the property and how they change throughout the seasons, as well as the resort’s boutique, which is filled with unique crafts, fashion, and homeware made my local artisans alongside some signature Four Seasons merchandise. Just beneath the lobby’s main structure are several levels of eateries and bars, three infinity pools, the spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, all cascading down the cliffside and overlooking the beach. An 18-hole golf course and two additional beaches are just a short golf ride away, as is Rancho Ortega, a 35-acre farm which supplies the resort’s produce, meat, and eggs and will soon produce its own tequila. —Gabby Shacknai

Verana Yelapa Arrow

Even the most seasoned traveler may have trouble thinking of the last time they stayed in a handmade hotel—they are extremely rare. Few places can be as intricately and ingeniously imagined as Verana. When set designer Heinz Legler and decorator Veronique Lievre left Los Angeles to purchase a plot of land in Mexico’s remote Bay of Banderas in 1997, they had one idea in mind—to build a home surrounded by nature at their own pace. The couple settled into the lush hilltop, only accessible by boat and mule, and began constructing, responding to the landscape and seasons, preserving as much of the natural environment as possible. It may sound romantic, surrendering to the unknown in the pursuit of artistic dreams, but the reality required dedication and true grit. The idea of a single home evolved into 10 casas embedded into the jungle with spellbinding views of the ocean, many of which are wall-less structures with modern thatched roofs and outdoor showers. Some have a private plunge pool or Japanese-style tea lounge. To stay here is to be immediately transported. Don’t be surprised to find it fully booked for a wedding or creative retreat. People come to Verana to become less distracted and more connected to themselves. To shut out the noise. But that’s not all. With thoughtfully coordinated color-blocked walls, an outdoor library, vintage objects made by Mexican artisans, and a spa to manage any tropical discomfort, the alchemy of inspired design dissolves any pressures from the outside world. Wake up to tea and freshly baked bread left on the doorstep, spend dreamy hours whale-watching, and fall asleep to the sound of wind gently swishing trees back and forth. In one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico, the real luxury is space to just be. — Jade Moyano

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende Arrow

The Rosewood's 13 acres are enviably sited in San Miguel de Allende's centro, and the hotel is without peer in a town that has its share of swank stays. Portals and stone paths lead to tiered swimming pools, two-person cabanas, covered patios, and a tequila bar, and the 67 rooms are grand and outfitted with regionally sourced hardwood floors and Spanish colonial furnishings. Even a standard king, at an already-generous 535 square feet, comes with special treatment: A bubble bath lit by candles is drawn at turndown upon request. Views from the rooftop Luna tapas bar make a seat here especially sought-after at sunset.

Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel Arrow

The babble of a courtyard fountain, a breeze that shoulders its way through stone arches: Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel is an unquestionably sensory experience. But the more elemental charms of this historical marvel, whose 17th- and 18th-century buildings are scattered across San Miguel de Allende ’s Centro district, are only part of its allure; the rest it owes to the human touch. I arrived at my suite—a corner unit cleaved from a former mansion—to find my wedding portrait set into a carved tin frame; one afternoon, I returned to find textured strips of paper on my reading stack—bookmarks. Chef Alejandra Puente told me about her daughter as we contemplated fresh avocados at the local market, gathering up the bounty we would need for my private cooking class. This is hospitality at its finest. —Betsy Blumenthal

Casa Delphine Arrow

San Miguel de Allende has captivated writers and artists including Jack Kerouac and Frida Kahlo since the 1940s. It also bewitched LA jewelry designer Amanda Keidan, who fell so hard for its bohemian vibe that she relocated to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed spot in Mexico's Central Highlands and bought an empty hotel. With just five rooms, it hits the right note in this artistic landscape so dominated by big-name players. And unlike other small properties opening in the outskirts, it has one of the more enviable addresses, just a 10-minute stroll from the famous neo-Gothic Parroquia church with its distinctive orange-pink towers soaring above El Jardín. The latter is the social heart of the city where everything—fiesta band practice, football games, lovers meeting on benches shaded by laurel trees—takes place. There are original cantera-stone fireplaces, colorful painted tiles from nearby Dolores Hidalgo and lampshades from printmaker Ri Anderson. Local woodworker Peter Grau crafted the cedar dining table where jalapeño-spiked avocado toast and pastries are laid out each morning. Keidan’s insider knowledge rivals any hotel concierge’s, offering tips on everything from her favorite restaurants (El Manantial for tacos) and shops (KM33 for dresses) to Pilates classes and spa treatments. Tarot suppers and chef-led pop-ups double as mini house parties. This feels like a revitalization of the scene, drawing in a new wave of creatives. —Jen Murphy

Insider tip: Book the rooftop suite with its hot tub and epic views of the church spires.

Octavia Casa Arrow

Fashion designer Roberta Maceda has crafted this seven-room retreat in the chi-chi area of La Condesa as a minimalist extension of her Octavia clothing line. On the ground floor, next to a breezy seating area with bamboo stools grouped around a concrete table by interior firm Habitación 116, there’s a shoppable bronze rail of her pieces that may include white button-up shirts or a black-and-white snakeskin ensemble. Upstairs, rooms are also decorated in neutral tones and each is named after a natural material, from walnut ( nogal ) and linen ( lino ) to earth ( tierra ) and bronze ( bronce ). The softest bedding comes from Octavia’s new homeware line, while the rest of the studied hangout spaces showcase other Mexican makers with blown-glass cups by Onora and cream-colored vases from ceramics studio Encrudo filled with dried magnolia leaves. There’s no restaurant, but breakfast is brought in from a nearby bakery— conchas (sweet pastries) are served with homemade hibiscus-and-ginger jam and eaten in the meditative pebble-floored garden under a guava tree. In the evenings it’s a short stroll to local favorites such as Italian restaurant Lardo and natural-wine bar Hugo. This is a meticulously designed gateway to Mexico City’s coolest scene.

Casa Polanco Arrow

Set in Mexico City ’s posh Polanco neighborhood , a stay at this elegantly renovated Spanish Revival-style mansion feels like a peek inside the lives of well-to-do chilangos (Mexico City locals). Polanco is within walking distance from sites like Chapultepec Park, a popular hangout for local families on the weekends, and lovely for morning jogs; and a short drive from Museo Soumaya, known for its unique architecture and mirror-like façade. Just around the corner are the trendy Roma Norte and Condesa neighborhoods for eating, drinking, and boutique shopping. While many Mexico City hotels play to classic heritage motifs, Casa Polanco shows off a different side of the city. Here, the lines are clean, neutrals take precedence, and there’s a subtle prep-school flavor with houndstooth pillows and plaid napkins. Given this is a home, soak up the spaces that so clearly remind you that you're in one. Order a glass of wine at the lobby bar and take it to one of the many shared terraces; after a long day, grab a nook in the well-curated library and flip through one of the many coffee table books on Mexican art, history, or culture. —Megan Spurrell

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City Arrow

Even though it’s set on busy Paseo de la Reforma, this name-brand luxury hotel delivers tranquil, boutique charms. Rooms are set around an interior courtyard, and you’re just a short distance from Chapultepec Park , offering respite from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. Add to that all the other Four Seasons hallmarks—insanely comfortable beds, high-quality service, and wellness amenities like a pool, gym, and spa—and you’re guaranteed a memorable experience. —Susannah Rigg

Circulo Mexicano Arrow

Known for creating Mexico’s trendiest boutique properties, the hotel developer Grupo Habita transformed this 19th-century townhome in Centro Histórico into a Shaker-inspired boutique hotel. The result is Circulo Mexicano, which begins with a buzzing marketplace-style ground floor and moves up to the chilled-out rooftop with an infinity pool, Japanese soaking tub, and views of Centro Histórico sights: the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor. The 25 bedrooms are fitted out with custom oak pieces and most have their own contemplative terrace or balcony. Head to the courtyard Itacate del Mar restaurant for innovative takes on Mexican street snacks, the standout of which are the tostadas with tangy tuna or fried calamari topped with shiitake mushrooms.

Chablé Maroma, Riviera Maya Arrow

This may quite possibly be the only hotel in Mexico that combines the level of wellness travelers now hop planes for with the country’s trademark sugary beaches. It has 70 neutral-palette suites, each with its own pool, terrace, and palm-shrouded outdoor rain shower. And let’s not forget its access to Riviera Mayakoba’s powdery beach. True to the brand, Maroma’s bright spa remains deeply rooted in Mayan healing traditions (the temazcal ceremony, led by a local healer, is the real-deal, requiring a two-hour commitment). While your schedule in the Yucatán is packed with fitness classes and spa sessions, Maroma encourages time spent sipping margaritas by the infinity pool, as any Mexican resort should. Chef Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City ’s top-ranked Quintonil oversees the menus, sourcing ingredients from on-site ka’anches, Mayan gardens. Seafood is the star at Maroma, showcased at the rooftop raw bar and at casual restaurant, Kaban. The tasting menu-only restaurant Bu’ul is more ambitious, with regional dishes like mamey fruit tartare topped with glazed escamoles, surprisingly tasty ant larvae, which will challenge (and wow) your palate. —Jen Murphy

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya Arrow

The most distinctive part of Hilton’s luxury debut on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is its chameleon-like approach to hospitality. Yes, with its 349 rooms, acres of pools, 11 restaurants, and kids’ and teens’ clubs, the Conrad is the type of resort whose (large bronze) gates a traveler would be content to pass through only twice: right before check-in and right after checkout. Spiritually, though, it aligns more closely with the smaller-scale properties 30 minutes north in Tulum that seek to connect guests with the surrounding destination. Honoring the Mayan cultures that have occupied this stretch of Caribbean coast for centuries, a traditional sacbe, or “white road”—the name of the ancient roadways Mayans created to travel by moonlight—cuts through the jungled grounds. In the lobby, a soaring art installation takes a cue from Mayan macramé. And at the cenote-inspired spa, a traditional four-hands massage is second only to a jalapeño margarita in the open-air bar as a way to immediately shed any lingering real-life stress remaining after a dip in the sea. —Erin Florio

Waldorf Astoria Cancún Arrow

For all the resorts that crowd Mexico’s east coast, the Waldorf stands out for its truly white-glove service and amenities that make it hard to leave the property. There are infinity pools aplenty, acres of pristine coastline, and that most glorious asset of all, the feeling of complete privacy in one of the country’s most bustling vacation spots. The decor, a soothing sea of creams and sand hues, spotlights Mexican artisans and highlights materials like tropical woods and local stone. The vibe here is palpably slow—no rushing from one activity to the next, just relaxing. And there are enough private cabanas to go around—you can forget about the dreaded visit to the pool at dawn to reserve a great spot. There are also dozens of lounge chairs facing the beach for when the ocean is your dip du jour. With comfortable yet polished rooms, an excellent spa, and a clutch of bars and restaurants serving excellent riffs on traditional dishes and drinks, this is Cancun like you’ve never seen it. —Meaghan Kenny

Habitas Bacalar Arrow

A four-hour drive south of heavily touristed Cancún, the discreet Habitas Bacalar entrance on the side of a remote road makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a grand secret. The place is small—just 34 rooms, each with a maximum occupancy of two—and has a very communal vibe. The hotel makes an effort to bring the community to you, by hosting local vendors for guest experiences like a cacao-and-wine tasting, and partnering with local businesses for complimentary paddleboard tours, yoga lessons, and more. Meanwhile, the wellness program sources local ingredients for its spa products, and restaurant Siete uses traditional Mayan cooking techniques. —Mercedes Bleth

Hotel Esencia, Xpu-Ha Arrow

Right on Xpu-ha beach, the best stretch of white sands on this part of Mexico's Caribbean coast, Esencia is one of those hotels that is spoken about in hushed tones by bohemians in the know, none of whom want to let this secret get out. But those who do make it here discover a small, natural beauty of place set on a palm-swaying estate on the edge of the tumbling sea. There are hammocks to laze in, and a dimly lit spa where lotions and potions made from garden herbs are crushed into poultices to smooth out knots. For snorkeling among rainbow-colored fish, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a five-minute hop on the hotel’s catamaran. There are ceviches and tiraditos to try at Mistura, a restaurant with views of the moon-dappled sea, and a wooden beach bar that does the best Margaritas in Mexico. Then there are the rooms. The interiors of the house, originally built as a hideaway for an Italian duchess, have splashes of fifties art and huge bedrooms with generous terraces. The Jungle Rooms, complete with plunge pools and beach suites, are a study in white. All in all, it is perfect. —Mary Lussiana

Casa Silencio Arrow

Located in a windswept valley within the community of Xaagá (about one hour outside downtown Oaxaca City ), this six-room boutique property is an isolated refuge for spirits enthusiasts who desire to taste rare editions of Mezcal El Silencio. Designed by the Mexican architect Alejandro D’Acosta, using a rose-hued shade of compressed clay—along with reclaimed wood, steel, and stone—the property’s heartbeat is an open-air dining room with outdoor fire pits, where its legendary mezcal tastings are held. Each of the six rooms features a moody aesthetic, with design touches like abstract black-and-white textiles produced by local artisans, copper light fixtures, and wood-burning fireplaces.

Escondido Oaxaca Arrow

The city of Oaxaca has long been celebrated for its ancestral artistry and gastronomy, which homegrown hoteliers Grupo Habita have drawn on for their latest opening here. Fusing old and new, behind an unassuming russet red facade downtown, architect Alberto Kalach has added a surprising Brutalist addition to this colonial-era home. Minimalist-looking rooms, four in the original building and eight in the new tower, are dedicated to elevated Mexican craftsmanship. Each features a majority of furniture produced from ahuehuete wood (a type of Mexican cypress that is sacred to the local Zapotec culture and even featured in their creation story), while locally-made olive bedspreads match the elemental interiors. Another surprise is dished up in the restaurant where chef Mario Petterino turns out classic dishes from his home region of Piedmont, Italy, such as homemade ravioli and gelato. Afterwards, enjoy a mezcal nightcap in the library-like ‘Culture Room’. The hotel is in walking distance of all the city’s attractions, from the famed restaurant Criollo by chef Enrique Olvera to the main plaza, home to the Templo Santo Domingo church and the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, that connects Oaxaca’s cultures of past and present; much like the hotel itself.

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The Best Hotels in Mexico City

Choose from these editor-loved and award-winning Mexico City hotels.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

KARYN MILLET / Casa Polanco

Mexico City lures travelers from around the world with its dynamic culinary scene, architectural marvels, avant-garde art galleries, and exceptionally curated museums. It’s a sprawling metropolis made up of dozens of distinct neighborhoods, or colonias, each of which will impart a distinct flavor on your experience of the city — so it’s important to consider location when booking a stay.

In hip cultural hubs, like Roma Norte and La Condesa, you’ll find tree-lined streets lined with cafes, natural wine bars, and mansions converted into intimate guest houses with leafy terraces, rooftop sushi bars, and even rolling beds. In upscale Polanco, posh and ultra-private hideaways offer respite after an afternoon of strolling through the Bosque de Chapultepec, or shopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk. For a truly elevated stay, the Paseo de la Reforma is studded with luxury skyscrapers from trusted names like the Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis — and the views continue in the city’s Centro Historico, where you can glimpse iconic landmarks from the rooftop pool of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whether you’re looking for old-world charm or modern luxury, you’ll find it in the exceptional hotels that made this list, which features properties I’ve researched extensively and in some cases personally enjoyed, plus others that came highly recommended from T+L editors and made our It List , or that T+L readers have voted as their favorites in our annual World’s Best Awards.

The St. Regis Mexico City

St Regis Mexico City

Spacious garden terrace suites and dedicated butler service promise a luxurious getaway at this towering property, located on the edge of leafy Chapultepec Park.

It’s located on Paseo de la Reforma, which is bustling day and night.

Mexico City is a place you tend to experience at street level, which makes the panoramic views from the towering St. Regis uniquely enchanting. All of the 189 rooms and suites in this sleek 31-story property offer floor-to-ceiling vistas over the sprawling city below, hemmed in by the majestic Sierra Madre mountains. Inside, soothing shades of purple and gray conjure quiet luxury in Yabu Pushelberg-designed rooms that boast plush queen- or king-size beds, marble bathrooms, seating areas and dedicated workspaces for business travelers. For a truly memorable stay, book one of the eight suites that opened in 2024, which open out onto dreamy terraces equipped with a plunge pool, hot tub, or fireplace to make the most of the city’s fantastic year-round climate.

This family- and pet-friendly hotel also features an upscale spa with a lap pool, plus on-site dining options ranging from Mexican to Greek to Japanese. But above all, it’s the warm and highly-attentive service that keeps guests coming back, which has repeatedly earned it a spot on our World’s Best Awards list in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Reforma
• Distance From Airport: 9 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Glorieta de Insurgentes, Museo de Arte Popular, Monumento a la Independencia
• Accessibility: Deluxe and Grand Deluxe rooms with roll-in shower available
• Rates: Start at $376

Booking Tip

Request a room on a higher floor to avoid street noise.

“It’s hard to argue with the location right on Av. Chapultepec and the airy feeling of the skyscraper rooms above the cacophony.”

– Paul Brady, News Director

JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco

Marriott Hotels

Business travelers will appreciate the newly revamped executive lounge and private meeting rooms, while art lovers are only a short walk away from the city’s best museums.

Room service, particularly late night, leaves something to be desired — if you’re staying in, opt to dine at one of the four new fantastic on-site restaurants instead.

Overlooking Chapultepec Park, this freshly renovated property earned a spot on our World’s Best Awards list in 2022 thanks in part to its prime location in posh Polanco, which puts you mere blocks away from some of the city’s finest museums, shops, and restaurants. I found it to be an ideal home base while working remotely, as each of the 314 rooms and suites have a desk, plus WiFi is available throughout the hotel — yes, including beside the large outdoor pool.

Waking up here is a cozy affair, with bright and airy rooms offering floor-to-ceiling views over the city, park, or interior courtyard. I loved that I could walk out the door and essentially already be in the park, where daily walks led me to cultural delights like the Museum of Modern Art . Afterwards, I could retreat to the hotels’ intimate Tahona Mezcal Room for a tasting flight. 

• Neighborhood: Polanco
• Distance From Airport: 11 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Jardín Winston Churchill, Parque Lincoln, Plaza Uruguay
• Accessibility: Multiple room categories
• Rates: Start at $391

Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The well-connected concierge team can curate exceptional experiences in and around the city, from hard-to-nab restaurant reservations to private gallery visits.

There isn’t a pool — but each room is appointed with a roomy jacuzzi bathtub.

There’s only a two-hour time difference between New York City and Mexico City, but that didn’t stop me from luxuriating in the “Jet Lag” bath service upon arriving at Las Alcobas, which was voted as a winner in Travel + Leisure 's 2022 World’s Best Awards. Each of the boutique Polanco property’s 35 rooms include a jacuzzi tub equipped with mood lighting and multiple bubble settings, which a friendly team member will fill upon request and infuse with restorative herbal sachets. For further pampering, indulge in a massage at the Aurora Spa.

Beyond the hotel’s sophisticated design and drool-worthy Anatol restaurant (a contender for the best breakfast in the city), what truly sets it apart is its in-the-know concierge team. They were able to secure me a last-minute reservation at Pujol, and coordinated a fascinating private art tour dedicated to the work and life of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

• Nearby Attractions: Inbursa Aquarium, Museo Soumaya, Bosque de Chapultepec
• Rates: Start at $436

La Valise Mexico City

Jose Manuel Enero / La Valise

You can sleep under the stars on your own private terrace, thanks to rolling king size beds.

There’s no restaurant on site — but the hotel’s friendly hosts are able to recommend and coordinate reservations at any of the city’s culinary hot-spots.

La Valise Mexico City may be the most exquisitely curated hotel I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in. Located on a colorful, tree-lined sidestreet in the heart of hip Roma Norte, this charming eight-suite townhouse is like a home away from home — that is, if your home featured a rolling king size bed that glides onto your own private terrace.

The palatial La Terraza, where I spent a few blissful nights, features hardwood floors, shimmering copper accents, and a stylish array of art and furnishings with a distinctly Mexican flair. My partner and I giddily pushed the cloud-like king-size bed out onto our enormous terrace, where a projector meant we could curl up and watch movies al fresco in bed.

Each of the seven other uniquely designed suites boast their own private terraces or balconies, some with outdoor bathing areas and others with hammocks. To combat the inevitable comedown of leaving such a special place, extend your stay at La Valise’s equally-enchanting property in San Miguel de Allende (a winner of T+L’s 2023 It List) or their bohemian beachside getaway in Tulum for a few days.

• Neighborhood: Roma Norte
• Distance From Airport: 7 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Plaza Río de Janeiro, MODO Museo del Objeto del Objeto, Parque México
• Accessibility: No — rooms are accessible by stairs only
• Rates: Start at $471

Ignacia Guest House

Jaime Navarro / Ignacia Guest House

Nine superbly decorated suites surround a lush courtyard in this historic mansion, where you can indulge in one of the best breakfasts the city has to offer.

Several of the suites are modestly sized, but their exceptional design inspires such reverie as to ensure you never feel cramped.

Named after the housekeeper who looked after this 1913 mansion for 70 years, this seductive oasis is one of Roma’s best-kept secrets. It’s home to nine jaw-dropping suites, each with its own distinct personality: four are focused on a central color scheme, such as the romantic Rosa Suite, a jewel-toned pink paradise with a luxurious marble bathroom and private terrace overlooking the lush garden below. More spacious accommodations await on the second level of the townhouse, where suites lead out onto a spectacular patio with a Maya-inspired hot tub.

The mastermind behind this sanctuary is interior designer Andrés Gutiérrez, who helms nearby design mecca Originario , a kaleidoscopic concept store featuring rotating collections of furniture, art, and objects crafted by a new wave of Mexican designers — many of which are featured throughout the hotel.

• Nearby Attractions: Panadería Rosetta, Plaza Río de Janeiro, Parque México
• Accessibility: No — rooms are accessible by stairs only.
• Rates: Start at $335

Casa Polanco

The marble lobby of this meticulously restored 19-room mansion provides one of the most visually striking welcomes a weary traveler could ask for – and it’s only a snapshot of what this sublimely chic property has in store.

It’s one of the most expensive properties on this list — but if you’re looking to splurge, you’d be hard pressed to find more elegant accommodations.

Soon after the iron door of this neoclassical 1940s estate opened to reveal a striking jade marble lobby, Casa Polanco assumed its rightful position on T+L’s 2023 It List. The lobby is a visual extension of neighboring Parque Lincoln, encapsulating the hotel’s alluring ability to celebrate and draw from its surroundings, while offering an ultra-luxe and elegant urban respite.

This is thanks to the vision of owner Octavio Aguilar, who has lived in upscale Polanco for nearly three decades and pays homage to his neighborhood in big and small ways, with rooms featuring linens by Mexican designer Paulina Morán, custom toiletries by local boutique perfumer Xinú , and pastries from the famed DaSilva bakery down the street. Throughout the property, Aguilar’s extensive art collection highlights contemporary Mexican artists, with photographs by Graciela Iturbide and paintings by Ricardo Mazal adorning the walls.

The 19 guest suites are incredibly chic, with glass and wood detailing, herringbone upholstered bed frames, personal libraries, and in some cases, spacious terraces. For such a private space, there’s a prevailing sense of community — it’s like visiting your most Cosmopolitan friend, who provides all the fabulous recommendations and connections you could need, and then draws back to allow you to enjoy it all on your own.

• Nearby Attractions: Chapultepec Castle, Parque de los Espejos, National Museum of Anthropology
• Rates: Start at $550

“The team at Casa Polanco likes to say that staying at the 19-room property is like visiting a friend in Mexico City. That friend turns out to be owner Octavio Aguilar, who spent more than three years expanding and transforming a 1940s Spanish colonial revival mansion into an elegant urban refuge. Aguilar has lived in Polanco — a lush, centrally located neighborhood — for more than 25 years, and Casa Polanco celebrates its environs in ways both big and small. At breakfast, you’ll find perfect pastries from DaSilva, an acclaimed bakery a few blocks away, and a menu created by award-winning local chef Martha Brockman. In every room, there are bottles from Casa del Agua, a local artisanal water boutique; on every bed, linens by the Mexican designer Paulina Morán, and by every sink, toiletries custom-crafted by the high-end perfumer Xinú, whose studio is nearby.”

– Jeff Chu, Editor

Círculo Mexicano

Ricardo Ramos / Grupo Habita

The rooftop offers panoramic views over some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, plus a plunge pool and French-Mexican restaurant.

If proximity to trendy restaurants and bars is what you’re looking for, you’ll be better off basing yourself in Roma or La Condesa — although Centro Histórico is an incredibly convenient location for visiting many of the city’s top sights.

Helmed by Grupo Habita, the hotel group behind many of Mexico’s most sought-after properties, this 2021 It List winner is a standout boutique hotel in the city’s Centro Histórico, surrounded by architectural wonders. From the rooftop, you can slip into the plunge pool with a cocktail in hand, taking in superlative sunset views over nearby landmarks such as the excavated remnants of the Aztec Templo Mayor. The building itself has a storied history of its own: formerly the home of Mexican photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo, it displays his work throughout the convivial public spaces.

You’ll find refuge from the city’s bustle in the 25 whitewashed, oak-accented guest rooms, 18 of which open onto a sunny patio. Others boast private balconies overlooking the famed Metropolitan Cathedral. The bright, airy rooms are minimalist havens, lit up by skylights and grounded by dreamy beds on raised platforms, sheathed in luxurious linens made by Mexican artisans. 

• Neighborhood: Centro Histórico
• Distance From Airport: 4 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo de la Ciudad de México, Alameda Central, Diego Rivera Museum
• Rates: Start at $206

Sofitel Mexico City Reforma

Christopher Amat / Sofitel Mexico City Reforma

Home to one of the city’s most alluring rooftop bars and an indulgent spa, this skyscraper is like a universe of its own.

While the skyline views are hard to beat and the renowned Sofitel service is exceptional, the sheer size of this 275-room skyscraper offers an inherently less intimate experience than the boutique properties on this list.

History meets modern luxury in this spectacular skyscraper on Paseo de la Reforma, where the sleek 40-story tower rises out of a carefully restored 1983 building. Sofitel’s legendary service and attention to detail earned it a spot on our 2020 It List, and both continue to be on display at this 275-room property, which features 56 suites — all of which provide mesmerizing views over the city. For an even more jaw-dropping vista, head to Citizyn, the rooftop restaurant and bar that attracts a well-heeled clientele.

For those looking to relax after a long day of sightseeing, the spa is an unparalleled wellness retreat. A steam bath, hot and cold tubs, as well as a sauna and a heated saltwater pool promise to help you unwind, as do the indulgent massage treatments. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a studio on the 38th floor with everything you could need — plus, a spectacular view over the city. 

• Nearby Attractions: Museo Casa de Carranza, Museo de Memoria y Tolerancia, Palacio de Correos
• Accessibility: Multiple room categories, notably their “Smart Rooms”
• Rates: Start at $267

A treetop sushi bar and trendy patio restaurant offer delightfully different places to drink in (and devour) some of the city’s best bites.

The entry-level rooms are on the smaller side.

Bordering two of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, Condesa DF sits at the intersection of Roma and Condesa. It’s a fusion of the former’s youthful, trendy appeal, and the latter’s relaxed, bohemian energy — all the more impressive when you consider it opened in 2005, long before the bloom of design hotels that later spread across the neighborhoods. Each of the tranquil, monastic-inspired 40 rooms and suites are filled with natural light and softened by cream-colored drapes, with warm wood accents throughout. Some offer leafy terrace views over neighboring Parque España, while all feature relaxing rain showers.

The hotel draws a young and local crowd to its French-inspired Mexican restaurant, set in the central tree-lined patio. Further up, surrounded by purple Jacaranda trees, Japanese chef Keisuke Harada serves excellent sushi on the bustling rooftop terrace. 

• Neighborhood: Condesa
• Distance From Airport: 8.5 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Chapultepec Castle, Parque Espana, Parque Mexico
• Accessibility: Multiple rooms, call for further information
• Rates: Start at $283

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

Four Seasons Resorts

Spectacularly comfortable beds promise a restorative night’s sleep, while private terraces overlooking the leafy courtyard beckon for your morning coffee.

The classic property tends to draw business travelers and families — younger couples and singles may prefer some of the more intimate boutique properties on this list.

A hacienda-style haven built around a verdant central courtyard, the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City clinched a spot on our World’s Best list 2023 largely thanks to its fantastic location, dedicated concierge staff, and peaceful inner garden. 240 rooms, including 40 spacious suites, welcome business travelers, celebrities, and families from around the world who know they can rely on the Four Seasons to deliver its legendary luxury service. The rooms are stylishly appointed with ornate tapestries, rope accents, and abstract carpets, with marble bathrooms boasting luxuriously deep tubs. Several rooms feature French doors that lead out to private terraces.

The hotel’s ivy-covered, tree-lined courtyard is centered around a fountain and a firepit, where you can enjoy a drink from the renowned Fifty Mills gastrobar. Several other eateries promise something to sate every craving, from Italian to Mexican food and a French pastry shop. To unwind, visit the spa for an ancestral-inspired massage — or opt to get one poolside on the roof. 

• Distance From Airport: 8 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Estela de Luz, Museo de Arte Moderno, Chapultepec Castle
• Accessibility: Multiple rooms categories
• Rates: Start at $530

“[Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City] has everything you expect from a Four Seasons – a stately lobby, good restaurants, thoughtful service, a decent gym, plush rooms, thick robes, and more.”

– Denny Lee, Articles Editor

Nima Local House Hotel & Spa

Nima Local House

Located on a delightful tree-lined street in Roma, this exclusive, sunlit guest house is a perfect home base for couples.

Given the property’s small size and convivial public spaces, it may not be ideal for those looking for an ultra-private hideaway.

Equal parts cozy and charming, this mansion-turned-guest house enchants from the first glance. The white facade catches your eye from one of Roma’s leafy side streets with its wrought-iron balcony and French doors, drawing you into a small, sun-drenched courtyard. Up the wooden stairs, you’ll find four guest rooms thoughtfully appointed in sophisticated, neutral tones, with balconies leading onto the street or overlooking the interior garden.

The service here is exceptional and warm, yet never intrusive: with so few rooms, there’s a level of dedication that’s impossible to come by in larger accommodations, and the staff will gladly help coordinate bespoke tours or tastings around the city. Up on the roof, a red-brick courtyard offers a jungle-like oasis, where you can sneak away for live jazz sessions on Thursday nights. While the spa is small, it offers couples massages, reiki sessions, and private yoga classes.

• Distance From Airport: 6 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Plaza Rio de Janeiro, Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia, Licorería Limantour
• Accessibility: No — rooms are only accessible by stairs
• Rates: Start at $500

Downtown Mexico Hotel

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic (and stunningly beautiful) building is a design-lover’s paradise — plus, it boasts a sexy rooftop pool and 24-hour room service.

The open-concept style bathrooms may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

History buffs need look no further for their ideal accommodations than this 17th-century colonial mansion, which touts UNESCO World Heritage status as one of the oldest buildings in Mexico’s historic center. Industrial touches, traditional tiled floors, terracotta brickwork, and vaulted ceilings marry the old and the new throughout the 17-room palace, where minimalist wood furnishings allow the building itself to take center stage.

Their much-lauded breakfast is served on the open-air patio, where you can admire the arresting fresco painted in 1944 by muralist Manuel Rodríguez Lozano, a contemporary of Diego Rivera. While you’re perfectly located for exploring nearby monuments and museums, be sure to leave time to kick back on the trendy rooftop, where a serene pool, hot tub, and cocktail bar await.

• Neighborhood: Centro Historico
• Distance From Airport: 4.5 miles
• Nearby Attractions: The Templo Mayor, the National Museum of Art, the Palace of Fine Arts
• Accessibility: Elevator, but no adapted rooms
• Rates: Start at $185

Ritz-Carlton CDMX

The Ritz-Carlton practically invented luxury, and this exclusive address is a haven for jetsetters looking for modern accommodations and maximal attention to detail.

If you’re looking for next-level luxury with a more local touch than what an international chain can provide, consider an upscale boutique property like Casa Polanco instead.

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury living, so it’s no surprise this lavish hotel has a helipad with private access to guest room floors. If it’s opulent accommodations you’re after, book a splurge-worthy night at the Ritz-Carlton Suite, a glass enclave in the sky with never-ending views over the city.

For those of us coming in from the ground up, the deluxe rooms are still superbly spacious, with ample natural light, marble bathrooms, city views, and stylish furnishings — it’s no wonder the hotel earned a coveted spot on our World’s Best list in 2023. A sky bar offers dizzying views, while the dazzling indoor swimming pool offers the perfect place to unwind. A state-of-the-art fitness center and refined spa round out the hotel’s superlative amenities. 

• Neighborhood: Cuauhtémoc
• Distance From Airport: 10 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Angel de la Independencia, Jardín Botánico de Chapultepec,  Monument to Cuauhtémoc
• Accessibility: All room categories offer mobility-accessible rooms, only some offer roll-in showers
• Rates: Start at $499

Also available to book at AirBnB

This culinary-focused bed-and-breakfast is a passion project from Enrique Olvera, the legendary head chef and owner of Pujol.

While you’ll have access to a highly dedicated concierge, this is a private apartment; also note that there’s a lively mezcal bar downstairs, so it’s not a great fit for light sleepers or those with children.

Culinary pioneer Enrique Olvera’s restaurant, Pujol, has continually earned the distinction of being one of the highest-ranked restaurants in the world; when it relocated in 2017, Olvera reinvented the former space as Ticuchi, a mezcal bar. Both spaces are notoriously difficult to secure reservations for — that is, except for guests of Casa TEO, who get priority access to both.

Above Ticuchi, Olvera transformed a two-bedroom apartment into an artist's residency of sorts, welcoming chef friends from around the world to cook dinners around an open kitchen and 10-person communal table. Now, the unique space is available to book for the public in between residencies. You’ll have the apartment to yourself, with its two airy bedrooms decorated with Scandinavian-style wardrobes and plush white beds. The dedicated concierge team is a true highlight, offering unparalleled service when it comes to coordinating dinner reservations, private cooking classes, or general recommendations. Downstairs, you can mingle with Pujol alumni in the in-house library or light-filled kitchen, where a chef-cooked breakfast is included.

• Nearby Attractions: Museo de Arte Moderno, Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo, Bosque de Chapultepec
• Rates: Start at $395

Campos Polanco

Vibrant, apartment-style residences offer an artistic and sumptuous place to hide away, while delightfully designed common areas make for social gathering hubs.

The common areas can be reserved for private events, which is wonderful if you’re hosting, but a slight inconvenience if you’re looking to take advantage of them when they’re booked up.

Named as one of the most distinguished new additions to Polanco’s elevated hotel scene, Campos Polanco is a destination in its own right. Housed in a fabulously refurbished Art Deco building on the exclusive Campos Eliseos, it’s an apartment-style space designed to ignite your creativity. Each of the 12 rooms and suites is a whimsical hideaway, from “smaller” rooms, like the 318 square-foot Park Terrace — which features a generous outdoor space that rivals the room in size — to the deliriously massive, 1,500 square-foot Campos Residence, a wonderland of colors and textures with a chef’s kitchen, free-standing bathtub, floating fireplace, and wraparound terrace.

While the rooms offer exceptional privacy, the common areas — including a rooftop terrace, library, salon, and co-working space — are warm and inviting social hubs that can be reserved for meetings, cocktail parties, and private dinners. Given its thoughtful design, spacious accommodations, and tony location, the rooms are surprisingly well priced. 

• Distance From Airport: 10.5 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Bosque de Chapultepec, Museo Soumaya, Museo Jumex
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Rates: Start at $277

Know Before You Go

Stick to bottled water.

Generally speaking, tap water is not considered safe to drink in Mexico, so stick to bottled water. Most hotels will provide bottled water in your room, and provide refills free of charge. For a more environmentally-considerate approach, you can always buy a large jug of water to keep in your accommodation, which you can use to refill a reusable water bottle throughout your trip.

Learn some basic Spanish

It’s always a polite and respectful gesture to learn a few essential words or phrases in the local language before heading to a new destination. This is especially true in Mexico City, which is an economic and cultural capital of Latin America —  unlike tourist-driven resort destinations like Cancún or Puerto Vallarta, not everyone here will speak English.

Being able to greet and thank people in Spanish, plus ask for common necessities (like the bathroom or the check), will go a long way.

Don’t forget to leave a tip

Mexico City’s tipping culture is quite similar to the U.S. Be sure to leave at least a 10 percent tip at restaurants, for tour guides, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. 15 percent is considered standard, particularly around tourist attractions, while 20 percent is a sign of excellent service.

Make reservations in advance

To avoid disappointment, be sure to make restaurant reservations well in advance — particularly for world-famous restaurants like Pujol , Contramar , Quintonil , and Máximo Bistrot , which can book up months in advance. If you find you’re out of luck, consider a lunchtime reservation, or see if your hotel concierge can pull some strings.

While it’s a good idea to book any museum tickets in advance, certain popular destinations, like the Museo Frida Kahlo or the Casa Luis Barragan , sell out faster than others.

Opt for Uber over regular taxis

While pink-and-white taxis are abundant in Mexico City, you can sometimes end up in an unauthorized or unmetered cab. To avoid any issues, stick to ride-share apps like Uber for reliably safe and affordable rides. In addition to cheaper fares, there’s peace of mind in knowing the price upfront, and in being able to track any belongings accidentally left behind.

How We Chose These Hotels

Mexico City’s thriving hotel scene has bloomed in recent years, and it’s no easy task to pare down the dozens of luxurious, well-appointed properties. Many of the hotels made this list because they’ve earned rave reviews from thousands of T+L readers, who voted them as their favorite properties around the globe in our annual World’s Best Awards (see the 2023 winners here ) and/or made our exclusive It List.

In addition to those award-winning properties, the author of this article, Sophie Dodd , contributed her expertise as a travel writer specializing in luxury and boutique hotels. While working remotely from Mexico City for several weeks, she had exceptional experiences at several of the properties included here, such as La Valise Mexico City, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City, and Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which she previously reviewed for T+L. She also consulted other editor-favorite hotels in the city, and read through hundreds of reviews. She prioritized the quality of the guest experience, aesthetic appeal, comfort, concierge services, and amenities such as spas and on-site restaurants. She also considered location, level of service, and overall value.

And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values .